IN THE ZONE: BULGARIAN MILITARY, RAMSTEIN AIRMEN EXECUTE PERSONNEL DROPS

Exercise Thracian Spring 17 mission commanders and Bulgaria’s Special Operations help to count paratroopers as they parachute down to the drop zone at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15, 2017. To prevent potential mishaps and injuries, aircraft loadmasters communicate with the drop zone safety officers to account for personnel exiting and landing on the ground. The U.S. Air Force’s forward presence in Europe allows Airmen to work hand-in-hand with Allies to develop and improve ready air forces that are capable of maintaining regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes)

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IN THE ZONE: BULGARIAN MILITARY, RAMSTEIN AIRMEN EXECUTE PERSONNEL DROPS

A Bulgarian military paratrooper removes his parachute at the drop zone during Exercise Thracian Spring 17 at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15, 2017. Drop zones are thoroughly surveyed in advance and inspected before every drop in to order to ensure a safe landing for personnel or cargo. More than 60 U.S. Air Force Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, participated in combined air operations with the Bulgarian military to strengthen relationships while building their nations’ joint military capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes)

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IN THE ZONE: BULGARIAN MILITARY, RAMSTEIN AIRMEN EXECUTE PERSONNEL DROPS

Bulgarian Special Operations drop zone personnel watch a Bulgarian service member descend during Exercise Thracian Spring 17 at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15, 2017. Paratroopers exited the C-130J Super Hercules from approximately 1,250 feet before descending to the drop zone. More than 60 U.S. Air Force Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, participated in combined air operations with Bulgarian military to strengthen relationships while building their nations’ joint military capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes)

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IN THE ZONE: BULGARIAN MILITARY, RAMSTEIN AIRMEN EXECUTE PERSONNEL DROPS

Lt. Col. Bozhider Boykov, Bulgaria’s Special Operations 1st Battalion, 86th Brigade commander, communicates wind readings from the drop zone to Bulgarian military pilots during Exercise Thracian Spring 17 at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15, 2017. Boykov worked with a 435th Contingency Response Group drop zone controller throughout the two-week training to execute a safe personnel drop. The combined exercise aims to facilitate overall relations and build Bulgaria’s joint military capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes)

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IN THE ZONE: BULGARIAN MILITARY, RAMSTEIN AIRMEN EXECUTE PERSONNEL DROPS

Ramstein Air Base Airmen and Bulgarian military service members assist in deflating a parachute at the drop zone during Exercise Thracian Spring 17 at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15, 2017. Initial parachute deflation is important in order to prevent injury by the wind from further dragging landed paratroopers. The two-week combined training with Bulgaria’s military aims to facilitate overall relations and build their nations’ joint military capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes)

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IN THE ZONE: BULGARIAN MILITARY, RAMSTEIN AIRMEN EXECUTE PERSONNEL DROPS

Capt. Mary Bordelon, 37th Airlift Squadron flight commander and Exercise Thracian Spring 17 mission commander talks with Master Sgt. Momchil Kostov, Bulgarian Special Operations 1st Battalion, 68th Brigade special warfare personnel at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15, 2017. Bordelon visited the drop zone team to watch the team execute the first personnel drop for the two-week exercise. The U.S. Air Force’s forward presence in Europe allows Airmen to work with our Nato Allies and partners, to develop ready air forces capable of maintaining regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes)

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IN THE ZONE: BULGARIAN MILITARY, RAMSTEIN AIRMEN EXECUTE PERSONNEL DROPS

Published March 17, 2017
By Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

PLOVDIV, BULGARIA -- Exercise Thracian Spring 17 mission commanders and Bulgaria’s Special Operations help to count paratroopers as they parachute down to the drop zone at Plovdiv Regional Airport, Bulgaria, March 15, 2017. To prevent potential mishaps and injuries, aircraft loadmasters communicate with the drop zone safety officers to account for personnel exiting and landing on the ground. The U.S. Air Force’s forward presence in Europe allows Airmen to work hand-in-hand with Allies to develop and improve ready air forces that are capable of maintaining regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nesha Humes)