Lt. Gen. Eric Chimese, Zambian air force chief, led a military contingent from his nation on a three-day visit to US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa headquarters at Ramstein AB, Germany, according to a base release. The tour, which concluded on May 2, was meant to improve the partnership between the two nations’ air arms, according to Ramstein’s May 8 release. “Visits like this give us a chance to build partnerships while exchanging ideas between our two air forces,” said Maj. Marshall Preston, USAFE-AFAFRICA political-military strategist. The hosts took their guests on tours, showed them displays, and conducted demonstrations for them, according to the May 8 release. Base officials also showcased training courses and maintenance and professional development programs, such as the Ramstein Airman Leadership School and the Kisling Noncommissioned Officer Academy. “This has been an awesome experience,” said Chimese. “This partnership, this kind of interaction can be used as a platform to grow our air force and our capabilities.” (Ramstein report by SrA Caitlin O’Neil-McKeown)
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.