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Kaiserslautern American - December 5, 2025

Page 1

FEATURE

NEWS

FEATURE

HEALTH

ARE YOU A

WINNER? Find out on Page 5!

KMC works together during ammonia leak exercise, Page 2

Looking underground with waves,

Page 8

Ramstein supports the fighter mission, Pages 16 & 17

December 5, 2025 | Volume 49, Number 48

Resources to help improve mental health, Page 19

Read the KA online at KaiserslauternAmerican.com

Projecting power from the tower

Story & photos by Senior Airman Jared Lovett 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs From the top of Ramstein Air Base’s air traffic control tower, the view of the local German countryside stretches across for miles. From that vantage point, 86th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controllers control the arrival and departure of every aircraft within the Ramstein airspace. In the small room on top of the control tower, a team of Airmen work 24/7 to sequence aircraft and coordinate with host nation partners to ensure safe, uninterrupted flight operations. “Our job never stops,” said Staff Sgt. Lana Fischer, 86th OSS air traffic control watch supervisor. “We work nights, weekends and holidays.” “We never let our guard down,” she said. “One mistake on our end could have a dire impact, so we run checklists and briefs constantly. Our number one rule is to ensure safe airfield operations.” The tower provides air traffic services for Ramstein’s surrounding area from the surface to 3,600

The air traffic control tower at Ramstein Air Base controls approximately 26,000 flights a year. The tower maintains direct visual control of the airfield, to include aircraft, personnel and vehicles, with approximately 50 cubic miles of airspace.

See TOWER on Page 3

Off the beaten piste: 5 nearby non-Alps ski spots When most people living in Germany think about skiing or snowboarding, their minds jump straight to the Alps. Fair enough. The Alps are spectacular. But getting there can be a bear – See SKI AREAS, Page 30

“Five Nights at Fredd is the featured movie of the y’s 2” week, Page 29

Photo by Juanan Barros Moreno/Shutterstock.com

by MilitaryInGermany.com


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