About 50 airmen from Ramstein AB, Germany, have completed a week of off-site C-130 training with Polish military personnel at Powidz AB, Poland. Members of Ramstein’s 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Contingency Response Group conducted parachute jump training drills and related activities with airmen of the Polish air force’s 3rd AW and troops of the Polish Operational Mobile Reaction Group. The 86th AW operates C-130Js, while the 3rd AW flies refurbished ex-USAF C-130Es. Known as Operation Screaming Eagle, these activities were meant to strengthen bonds and build upon the partnership that the two C-130 units formalized in June when they became sister wings. “[The Polish airmen] were very friendly and eager to work with us,” said Capt. Ryan Miller, a Ramstein flight commander. The visit also allowed the Ramstein aircrews to meet their training requirements for night flying. (Powidz report by SSgt. Jocelyn Rich)
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.