NEWS
The call that keeps Airmen in the fight, Page 2
COMMUNITY
USAG-RP reminds community to remain vigilant, Page 7
SPORTS
Fit to fight, fit to finish, Page 13
March 27, 2026 | Volume 50, Number 12
CULTURE
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Decades of German-American friendship, Pages 16 & 17
In Germany, daylight saving time begins Sunday, 2 a.m. Clocks will be set forward to 3 a.m.
Read the KA online at KaiserslauternAmerican.com Story & photos by Airman Paden Henry 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Forecasting the Mission:
Kaleidoscopic radars flicker across glowing screens as weather patterns shift across Europe. Prior to aircraft taxiing onto the runway, Airmen assigned to the 86th Operations Support Squadron weather flight are already collecting data that will shape the mission. Before every flight, there is a forecast. Operating 24/7, weather Airmen monitor atmospheric conditions, analyze data and deliver forecasts that inform aircrew, commanders and base agencies across the U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa. “It depends on what shift you’re working,” said Senior Airman Mackenzie Martie, 86th Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster. “We’re a 24-hour shop. Day shift is more customer service, swing shift is preparing forecasts, and mids is briefing. That’s when we’re briefing all the aircraft.” Forecasting is not just reading data. It is interpreting it, especially when information does not align. “When models don’t agree,
86th weather Airmen ensure safe skies
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mackenzie Martie, 86th Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster, uses a sensor to measure atmosphere conditions at Ramstein Air Base, March 17. The data is used to stay informed of ever-changing weather conditions for aircrew to be aware of hazards.
See WEATHER on Page 3
Insider’s Kaiserslautern: Japanischer Garten Little soothes the soul as well as a tour through a Japanese garden. These bastions of tranquility have it all: water features, beautiful koi, delicate cherry trees and an almost otherworldly sense See GARTEN, Page 30
“Eternity” is the featured movie of the week, Page 31
Photo by clearlens/Shutterstock.com
by MilitaryInGermany.com