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)
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…