Ramstein units partner to assist evacuees from Libyan conflict

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jim Fisher
  • 17th Air Force Public Affairs
NAS SOUDA BAY, Crete --  In recent weeks, nations around the world have watched the developing humanitarian crisis on Libya's borders and been formulating ways to respond. U.S. President Barack Obama publicly outlined his approval of the U.S. military assisting the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development and a broader U.S. government to provide relief March 3, 2011. When the President provisioned military support, he spoke specifically about airlift.

Several Ramstein Air Base units have been key to providing airlift the Commander in Chief spoke of in support of the crisis.

The 37th Airlift Squadron and other air mobility squadrons, working in concert with 17th Air Force (Air Forces Africa) for U.S. Africa Command, are providing this capability. While 37th crews are flying humanitarian relief missions, members of Ramstein's 435th Contingency Response Group are facilitating the missions, providing everything from communications and command and control to force protection.

As the air component for AFRICOM, 17th AF is orchestrating the missions through its planning staff and 617th Air and Space Operations Center, collocated with its Ramstein Headquarters. After more than two years under AFRICOM, 17th is well-versed in cooperative efforts between Departments of Defense and State. So when a humanitarian crisis followed political upheaval in North Africa, 17th AF was ready to assist the State Department-led relief effort, according to Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward, 17th AF commander.

"We were able to quickly answer the call and play our part by orchestrating airlift to ease suffering among the Libyan people and third country nationals who have crossed the borders seeking relief from the conflict there," the General said. "Operating in Africa has given us many chances to work and become familiar with supporting our partners in the State Department. We're happy to be able to contribute, and we hope, along with the efforts of many other countries, we'll be able to improve the situation for people in need as a result of this conflict."

Lt. Col. Charles "Doc" Schlegel said the 17th effectively brought the units together to execute the humanitarian missions.

"The 17th coordinated the effort and made it possible for aid to be quickly delivered to people who are in need, and for us to move evacuees," Colonel Schlegel said. "We have been working together to adapt to an evolving situation and provide assistance in support of the overall U.S. government response. So far, it's a great example of Team Ramstein working together."

Colonel Schlegel's team began flying humanitarian relief March 4, 2011, and has delivered relief supplies to Tunisia for USAID and shuttled more than 300 displaced Egyptian citizens to Cairo.

The team's ability to adapt has been key to their contribution on what Capt. Jason Powell called deemed "an international scale."

"We started March 3, we partnered our capabilities with the 17th to support the State Department and things are going fairly smoothly," said the captain, who is the director of operations for the 435th's Contingency Response Element. "Things are always changing, but it's a testament to our flexibility that we continue to make progress on this mission. We are really stoked, to go in and make a difference for people that are suffering."