NEWS
FEATURE
FEATURE
FEATURE
Crisis on the slopes, Page 2
86th AW recognizes annual award nominees, Page 5
LRC Stuttgart employee helps kick off Army birthday, Page 12
Expeditionary airfield damage repair training at Morón AB, Pages 16-17
February 21, 2025 | Volume 49, Number 7
Activate your free KA su bscription
Read the KA online at KaiserslauternAmerican.com
Remodeled USAFE/AFAFRICA Tunner Conference Room highlights Air Force heritage by Shannon Murphy and Lauren Brouillette 86th Airlift Wing February 13 marked the grand re-opening of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s Tunner Conference Room, a project three years in the making. Project lead Mr. Rusty Ely, telecommunications specialist and design lead Ms. Lauren Brouillette, USAFE AFAFRICA Protocol and former USAFE-AFAFRICA archivist, were tasked with the redesign and relaunch of the headquarters building’s most prolific room. Few individuals contributed more to the operation and organizational development of airlift operations and logistics than Lieutenant General William Henry Tunner. Lt. Gen. Tunner is credited with the education of the military and the public on the importance of military air transportation. Colloquially known as “the father of airlift,” he pioneered his
theories, ideas, and actions during World War II and continued until his retirement in 1960. Tunner graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1928 and chose to go into the Air Corps, where he trained as a pilot. Through commissioned pieces of Air Force art and poignant photographs, the story of Lt. Gen. Tunner’s career and his impact on airlift and the U.S. Air Force are on display. Before military forces could grasp the strategy of airlift in wartime, Tunner proved the projection of airpower in the China-BurmaIndia theater during WW II and developed search and rescue operations. The airlift over “The Hump” (the Himalayan Mountain chain) kept China fighting against Japan. Less than a year after the official formation of the U.S. Air Force, the United States took on the operation to feed, supply, and offer hope to Berliners cut off by the Soviets. See AIR FORCE HERITAGE, Page 3
U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, right, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander, and Rusty Ely, left, USAFEAFAFRICA telecommunications specialist, cut a ribbon for the unveiling of the newly renovated Tunner Conference Room in USAFEAFAFRICA headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Feb. 13. The story of U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. William Tunner, former USAFE-AFAFRICA commander, and his involvement with multiple airlift missions, are on display through commissioned pieces of Air Force art and photographs, in the conference room and surrounding halls. Photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Chapman
Hohenschwangau Castle: One of Germany’s best Conveniently nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Hohenschwangau Castle is undoubtedly one of the most strategically placed and wellbuilt fortresses of all time. Inside the castle, visitors get an impressive view of the neighboring nation of Austria. The castle also offers a See HOHENSCHWANGAU, Page 30
“Captain America: Brav e New World” is the fea tured movie of the week, Page 31
Photo by Maksym Deliyergiyev/Shutterstock.com
by MilitaryInGermany.com