Ramstein Sunrise

The sun rises over C-130 Hercules aircraft parked on the Ramstein Air Base flightline waiting for maintenance and the next mission Feb. 18, 2009.The C-130 serves primarily to perform the tactical portions of the missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Caleb Pierce)

C-17

A C-17 Globemaster III lands at Ramstein Air Base as the sun rises for another day Feb. 18, 2009. The C-17 Globemaster III is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Grovert Fuentes-Contreras)

Early morning take off

C-130's stack-up in a holding pattern at Ramstein Air Base before take-off Jan. 9, 2009. The C-130's later took off and performed tactical training maneuvers in a four-ship formation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston)

Early morning take off

C-130's stack-up in a holding pattern at Ramstein Air Base before take-off Jan. 9, 2009. The C-130's later took off and performed tactical training maneuvers in a four-ship formation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston)

Under the frozen moon light

A C-17 Globemaster III sits parked on ramp seven at Ramstein Air Base under the orange moonlight before being de-iced to begin the day's mission, Jan. 9, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston)

Airmen prepare C-17 for duty

A C-17 Globemaster III starts the day off by getting de-iced on the Ramstein Air Base flightline January 9, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Grovert Fuentes-Contreras)