1st CMXS welcomes GSUs to KMC

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ciara M. Travis
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Two of the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron's geographically separated units conducted a ceremony April 29 at the Hercules Theater in honor of their official deactivation on May 1.

Operating Location Delta at Grafenwoehr Training Area and Operating Location Echo at Katterbach Kaserne said good bye to their current locations to relocate to the more efficient location of Kapaun Air Station.

Relocating the units has been a multi-year effort, using many man-hours and team efforts.

"Something that I've heard that I feel explains our units perfectly is 'Even the snail made it to the ark,'" said Lt. Col. Sean Raesemann, 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron commander. "And although we are moving, the mission doesn't change, only where it originates."

Although changing locations was hard word, it was paid off by what the transition will offer: a better quality of life to the Airmen assigned and their families. After the relocation, 15 Airmen will be in a more convenient location, making everyday work a little bit easier.

"Before, it was Airmen working from Army garrisons - now we are able to work more efficiently by being surrounded by an Air Force community," said Colonel Raesemann.

With the 7th Weather Squadron out of Heidelberg and the 21st Operational Weather Squadron from Sembach Kaserne relying on the equipment in Grafenwoehr and Katterbach, maintenance will still continue on a regular basis.

"One thing we can guarantee is the service to the customer will not change," said Col. John Shapland, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing commander. "The switch will allow for a more centralized location and better efficiency."

While the change in location made for a better quality of life for the Airmen, many are sad to leave the historical Grafenwoehr and Katterbach.

"It was interesting to know that while working on Grafenwoehr, we were also working on one of Adolf Hitler's training sites," said Tech. Sgt. Martin Molock, 1st CMXS weather maintenance NCO in charge. "Not to mention, it was also interesting to know that Elvis [Presley] was stationed here during his prior service."