Airmen participate in Exercise Carpathian Spring

by Airman 1st Class Hailey Haux
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/19/2013 - BUCHAREST, Romania -- More than 30 Airmen left Ramstein April 14 to participate in Exercise Carpathian Spring in Romania.

The exercise runs through April 21 and is designed for aircrews to train as well as help build a partnership capacity with Romanians.

"In Germany we have a lot of restrictions, and waivers are needed to do ... training," said Capt. Bradley Buinicky, 86th Operations Support Squadron and chief of exercise operations. "In Romania we have a blanket over-flight privilege, which allows us to get a lot more training in."

While in Romania, executing efficient C-130J Super Hercules aircrew training was a priority.

"Aircrew will be conducting low-level flying and assault landings, while the 435th Contingency Response Group will operate drop zones and man foreign jumpers," said Buinicky. "For members of the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, it gives them good exposure for doing their job in a different location."

Being gone for an extended period requires several Airmen from the 86th AMXS to ensure the aircraft are properly maintained.

"It's a good opportunity for us to be able to do this," said Staff Sgt. Cole Fry, 86th AMXS guidance and control craftsman. "We'll get to interact with Romanians, see how they run things and maybe exchange a few tips here and there."

The observing Romanian military members will become familiarized with maintenance, drop-zone operations and pallet building, said Buinicky.

"As an ally it's important for our partners to have combat capability for their own sovereign defense," said Buinicky.