Lajes members receive Space-A benefit from Ramstein training

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chyrece Campbell
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  More than 25 Team Lajes members and their families benefited from a free Space-A flight to Ramstein Air Base on a C-130J Super Hercules while the aircrew conducted training Nov 6.

The C-130J Super Hercules from Ramstein AB, Germany, landed here as part of their pilot water navigation training. The crew stayed overnight for crew rest before returning to their home base.

"The mission to Lajes was very successful on many levels," said Capt. Matthew Wunderlich, C-130 commander and instructor pilot.

"From the training perspective, my copilots were able to see the unique procedures involved with flying across oceanic airspace to working with Portugese Air Traffic Controllers, who approved multiple tactical procedures and approaches unique to the C-130J Super Hercules," added Captain Wunderlich.

The training mission was not just for the pilots, the loadmasters also had an opportunity to conduct training.

"It was great seeing our team help another team in U.S. Air Forces in Europe by providing Lajes with Space-A while I received currency training," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Anderson, C-130 loadmaster.

With Lajes Field being the refueling point in the mid-Atlantic there are many different opportunities that are available for Team Lajes members to take Space-A flights.

"There are always aircraft coming to Lajes for training or en-route support that are not always scheduled so people should call the passenger terminal daily to see if there are changes," said Luis Oliveira, passenger service agent.

"I am not new to flying Space-A, but this was my first time going to a European destination, and I am looking forward to the next opportunity to travel," said Master Sgt. Eric Merkison, AFN-Lajes Defense Media Activity acting First Sergeant.