DVIDS – News – Spangdahlem Air Base validates rapid mobility and ammunition resupply alongside joint partners for exercise ACE

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing from Spangdahlem Air Base were deployed to Leeuwarden Air Base, the Netherlands, last month to perform an agile combat employment exercise on short notice.

During the mission, the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron’s traffic management office, outbound cargo operations, exercised the ability to move live ammunition to austere operating locations.

Moving four intermodel containers on two semi-trailers containing 22 tonnes of cargo, the 52nd LRS demonstrated critical logistics capability and marked a first for the U.S. Air Force in Europe – Air Forces Africa during an ACE exercise.

“Everyone is following our lead,” said Master Sgt. Mark Majak, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, superintendent of traffic management. “We are setting the standard because we are the first to be so advanced in executing our initial ACE operational capabilities. “

The purpose of the movement was to demonstrate the rapid deployment and lethality of the squadron and to strengthen and maintain peace and cooperation with NATO allies.

To make the movement a reality, the squadron worked with soldiers from the 21st Theater Support Command, who helped transport the cargo, as well as German and Dutch personnel.

“The involvement of the military allowed the home station to continue the mission and allowed us as a wing to continue to provide full support without compromising the mission at home,” said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Kissee, NCO in charge of the 52nd LRS Outbound Cargo. “It would never have been possible if all parties had not worked in unison to achieve the same goal. If something was wrong and we needed a quick resolution, we would get together and do it.

The ACE concept envisions the use of agile operations to generate resilient air power from a variety of locations with the support of multipurpose aviators.

“The agile combat job is essential to the execution of the national defense strategy,” said Captain Ryan Thomas, deputy director of operations for the 52nd LRS. “The 52nd FW can mobilize critical resources and personnel quickly to a variety of austere operating sites in Europe while strengthening our defense against adversaries. “

Spangdahlem Air Base announced ACE’s initial operational capability on April 23, 2021, six months ahead of schedule, making the 52nd FW the first USAFE wing to hold this capability.