435th AGOW, AEW Airmen showcase capabilities for 3AF commander

by Staff Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/17/2015 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany  -- The 435th Air Ground Operations Wing smashed down doors and rappelled down buildings to highlight their unique skills and mission sets for the 3rd Air Force commander here Aug. 6.

Lt. Gen. Timothy M. Ray, 3rd Air Force commander, recently took command and received immersion tours from the 435th AGOW and 435th Air Expeditionary Wing.

"It's important to familiarize our (commander) with our unique mission," said Maj. Craig Towlson, 435th AGOW plans and programs chief and event organizer.  "We have a ton of capabilities and are spread out across the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa area of operations...to borrow the wing historian's analogy, we are kind of General Ray's multitool. We have a ton of different abilities that span across five different mission sets."

AGOW Airmen introduced Ray to joint terminal attack controller's maps, radios and equipment.  Civil engineer Airmen rappelled and put their emergency response teams in action to give him a realistic view of their operations.

Teams of Airmen hosted a mission brief fair showing off their mobilized working stations, equipment and told stories of their accomplishments at the AGOW.

"I had a great opportunity to see the Airmen of the 435th and their impact on not only the local area but also on our NATO allies. I am thankful to have a great team at my disposal," said Ray.

Another display at the 435th AGOW fair was the 435th Security Forces Squadron where Ray got hands on with riot gear and took the opportunity to conduct a breaching operations where he broke down a door using a ram.

"It's always great to highlight what we can provide," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Hendricks, 1st Combat Communications Squadron Readiness Section NCO in charge. "Any leadership that takes any interest in (our capabilities) is great, so we showcase and highlight it."

While the visit was a way for Ray to view the 435th AGOW and AEW capabilities, the Airmen also had time to interact with the General.  The visit concluded with Ray recognizing outstanding performers throughout the two wings.