SPORTS
FEATURE
FEATURE
FEATURE
Navy Midshipman drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars, Page 2
86th AW SAPR hosts open house, Page 3
DES firefighters partner with local fire department, Page 7
‘A little piece of home,’ Page 11
May 9, 2025 | Volume 49, Number 18
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Gen. James B. Hecker retires after 36 years of service by United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs Gen. James B. Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command, is set to retire this summer after serving 36 years in the U.S. Air Force. Hecker departed Ramstein Air Base on 3 May after nearly three years as the 37th USAFEAFAFRICA commander. Since assuming command on June 27, 2022, he has overseen U.S. airpower operations spanning more than 19 million square miles across Europe and Africa, supporting two geographic combatant commands. While in command, Hecker revolutionized Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Agile Combat Employment, and trans-
formed Air Force design from exclusively exquisite to a highlow mix to get munitions on the right side of the cost curve. He also supported Ukrainian partners, ensuring the seamless integration of F-16s and more than $50 billion in aid. Hecker engaged directly with partners across the continent at African Air Chief symposiums in Senegal, Tunisia and Zambia on regional issues ranging from violent extremist challenges to air transport sharing mechanisms. Under his watch, his team responded with speed, innovation and precision to move U.S. forces out of Niger. (Right) Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command Gen. James B. Hecker. U.S. Air Force photo
See GEN. HECKER, Page 16
Can’t-miss German day trips A-Z: Schönau Schönau, a German village nestled against the French border, almost feels like Shangri-la. Every twisting road that leads to the little town of about 400 people in the Pfalz forest (not to be confused with its cousin Schönau im Schwarzfald in the Black Forest) leads you further See SCHÖNAU, Page 30
“Warfare” is the featured movie of the week, Page 31 Sunrise at Wegelnburg Castle near Schönau, Rheinland-Pfalz.
Photo by Fabian Kremer/Shutterstock.com
by MilitaryInGermany.com