Third Air Force Marks 18 Years at Ramstein, Continues to Play Critical Role in Europe, Africa Published Dec. 15, 2024 By Capt. Kayshel Mulligan RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The Third Air Force, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, is a unique and vital component of the U.S. military. With an area of responsibility that spans 104 countries and is roughly 13 times the size of the United States, the Third Air Force plays a critical role in supporting U.S. and NATO Allies and partners across Europe and Africa. "We have Airmen and missions across two continents, with a combined population of nearly a billion people," said Maj. Gen. Paul Moga, commander of the Third Air Force. "It's a constant balance between Africa and Europe, from the high north to the Cape of Good Hope." One of the key challenges facing the Third Air Force is its vast area of responsibility. "We have to be postured and ready to respond quickly and decisively to a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance to combat operations," Moga said. "We operate in complex and dynamic environments and must be able to adapt to changing circumstances on a daily basis." To meet these challenges, the Third Air Force has a diverse range of capabilities and assets at its disposal. "Within our organization we have three fighter wings, a tanker wing, and an airlift wing at Ramstein," Moga explained. "Additionally, we have an air base wing in Incirlik, Turkey; an air ground operations wing; an air expeditionary wing; and a combat support wing. Each plays a crucial role in delivering airpower wherever and whenever it is needed." This Number Air Force also has a global reach, with personnel and assets deployed in support of operations in U.S. Central Command and other regions. "Our NAF routinely has at least one squadron deployed to CENTCOM at any given time," Moga noted. "It is a testament to the flexibility and dedication of our people and assets." As commander, Moga is responsible not only for the organization's military personnel, but also its community engagement and relations. "In this position, I also am the senior U.S. representative in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, engaging with mayors and local community leaders on behalf of our military members and their families," he said. "The Kaiserslautern Military Community commander role is hugely beneficial to the partnership between our German-American community and fosters a deep respect and understanding of the local culture and our mutual responsibility to safeguard the KMC." According to the USAFE-AFAFRICA History Office, the Third Air Force was established in the United Kingdom on Oct. 19, 1940, as the Southeast Air District and has since undergone several redesignations to become the organization it is today. The headquarters was moved to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and reactivated on Dec. 1, 2006. With its extensive duties and wide-ranging missions, the Third Air Force remains a pivotal component of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, continually adapting to meet the demands of modern military operations. This NAF is a unique and vital component of the U.S. military, with a critical role to play in supporting U.S. and NATO partners and allies in Europe and Africa. With its diverse range of capabilities and assets, and its global reach, the Third Air Force is well-positioned to meet the challenges of modern military operations. Under Moga's leadership, the Third Air Force will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of the military and the community it serves. Learn more about the Third Air Force here https://www.usafe.af.mil/About-Us/3rd-Air-Force/ and follow it on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ThirdAirForce/.