United States Air Forces in Europe
The United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE; German air forces of the United States in Europe ) form in addition to the Pacific Air Forces ( PACAF ) is one of two regional orientation of the ten major commands of the United States Air Force ( USAF). In addition, the USAFE responsible for the airspace component of United States European Command ( USEUCOM ) and NATO's Association. Its headquarters is on the Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Commander is since August 2, 2013 General Frank Gorenc.
Structure
The USAFE are responsible for the planning, implementation and support of Air Force operations in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East and entertain five main points: RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, Ramstein AB and Spangdahlem AB in Germany and Aviano AB in Italy. There are also 80 additional facilities, including Morón (Spain ), Incirlik (Turkey), RAF Alconbury and RAF Fairford (Britain ) and CHIEVRES (Belgium ). The USAFE is under the Third Air Force with ten squadrons.
During the Cold War deterrence associated starred, are the supporting combat forces, for example in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the joint training with other NATO units in the foreground today.
In 2007, the USAFE has around 42,000 people, including 27,000 soldiers of active service and 600 reservists.
The equipment includes approximately 200 combat aircraft (F -15, F -16, A-10 ), 30 transport aircraft (C -20H, C -21, C -37, C -40, C -130 ), 15 tanker aircraft (KC -135 ) and some helicopters (HH -60). If there is insufficient capacity or this is politically not desired, it uses companies like Omni Air International and Evergreen International Airlines ( via Frankfurt -Hahn airport) or World Airways ( via Leipzig / Halle airport).
In April 2011 it was announced that the USAF is planning to set up a Detachment for Traingszwecke in Poland, which is designed to help Poland and other allied and friendly countries in the training.
History
Oldest direct forerunner of the USAFE is the requirement imposed in January 1942 the U.S. 8th Air Force, which merged on 22 February 1944 in the United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe. On August 7, 1945 finally it was renamed to the current name of the United States Air Forces in Europe.