Features

435th CRSS advises expansion of Andreas Papandreou Air Base

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Eve Daugherty
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
February 7, 2025
U.S. Air Force Capt. Elizabeth Gordon, 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron airfield operations air advisor, reviews data with Cypriot National Guard Lt. Gen. Neofytos Pachoulides, Deputy Chief of the National Guard, at Andreas Papandreou Air Base, Cyprus, January 22, 2025. The engagement was part of an ongoing collaboration in an effort to upgrade and expand Andreas Papandreou AB capabilities in alignment with U.S. operations, strengthening future U.S. and Cyprus interoperability in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Eve Daugherty)

Seven members of the 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron conducted an infrastructure assessment at Andreas Papandreou Air Base, Cyprus, Jan. 22. During the assessment, 435th CRSS Airmen provided expansion and upgrade recommendations to increase Andreas Papandreou AB capabilities to support a wider range of air assets.

The assessment began with a base tour for 435th CRSS Airmen to review operations, equipment and infrastructure. Cypriot Air Force leadership led the tour, giving the 435th CRSS team an opportunity to take a closer look at base layout and security features, stopping at various points for closer inspection.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron, evaluate a hangar pad for potential upgrade recommendations at Andreas Papandreou Air Base, Cyprus, January 22, 2025. Cypriot Air Force leadership discussed the base’s logistic and operational capabilities during an assessment in which 435th CRSS Airmen provided feedback on ways to best approach base expansion and upgrades. (Photo has been modified for operational security) (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Eve Daugherty)

Following the tour, the Airmen integrated with Cypriot Air Force counterparts and broke out into working groups to discuss the airfield’s specific needs in areas such as logistics, support and operations. The groups held lengthy discussions comparing operational strategies and policies to identify upgrades, aiming to strengthen Andreas Papandreou AB and allow the Cypriot Air Force to be better equipped in the future for the unexpected.

“Events in Sudan, Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza 2023 and 2024 demonstrated the criticality of the Republic of Cyprus as a security partner in the East Mediterranean,” said U.S. Army COL. Kenneth “K.C.” Evans, senior defense official defense attache at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia.

Andreas Papandreou AB provides support to military allies, humanitarian relief operations and noncombatant evacuation operations. By increasing base capacity to support more aircraft and cargo, allies and partners could flow operations more seamlessly through the region.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Virginia Walsh, 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron flight commander and logistics readiness air advisor, provides a final briefing to U.S. Army COL. Kenneth “K.C.” Evans, U.S. Embassy Nicosia, senior defense official defense attache, front row right; MG Charis Georgiou, the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Defence Director of Minister’s Staff, front row second from right; Dr. Nikos Mateou, Director of Technical Services Directorate, front row left; and ten additional Cypriot military leaders at Nicosia, Cyprus, January 23, 2025.. The engagement was part of an ongoing collaboration in an effort to upgrade and expand Andreas Papandreou AB capabilities in alignment with U.S. operations, strengthening future U.S. and Cyprus interoperability in the region. (Photo has been modified for operational security) (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Eve Daugherty)

“Expansion of Paphos will enhance U.S. and partner intermediate staging capacity for aircraft while increasing efficiency, security, and safety for air operations,” said Evans. “This in turn will better position the U.S. to respond to regional crises.”

After the assessment was completed, 435th CRSS provided general recommendations for infrastructure improvements to MG Charis Georgiou, the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Defence Director of Minister’s Staff; Dr. Nikos Mateou, Director of Technical Services Directorate; and ten additional Cypriot key military leaders. The team also met with Mr. Vasilis Palmas, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, who expressed gratitude for the 435th CRSS’s efforts and assistance to the Republic of Cyprus.

Future visits, meetings and correspondence are planned moving forward to support the expansion of Andreas Papandreou AB. The 435th CRSS team will continue to provide guidance to the Cypriot Air Force, aiding their efforts to increase capabilities and further strengthening relationships and interoperability between U.S. partners and Allies.

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