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As national strategy evolved under the new administration, the 86th Airlift Wing continued to conduct airlift and support missions throughout Europe, Africa and beyond. In 2025, numerous leadership transitions across the Department of War occurred. Additionally, a U.S. government shutdown created budget uncertainty and resulted in the furlough of civilian personnel. Yet, in the face of these changes and challenges, the Airmen of the 86th AW answered every call. They projected decisive airpower, honed their combat edge alongside international partners, and fostered community at every level.
This 2025 year-in-review chronicles the 86th Airlift Wing’s activities through a period of significant change, detailing how the wing adapted its operations to leadership transitions and budgetary constraints, ensuring the continuity of its global airlift and support missions.
A Year of Strategic Transition and Internal Tests
The strategic landscape of 2025 was defined by significant political change. Following the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump on Jan. 20, the wing adapted to federal reforms and leadership changes, including new appointments for the Secretary of War, Secretary of the Air Force, and commanders at U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa.
A 44-day U.S. government shutdown occurred from Oct. 1 to Nov. 13, resulting in the furlough of hundreds of civilian employees. During the shutdown, official agencies like the Military & Family Readiness Center provided support services, and community members organized food drives for affected personnel. Despite the furlough, the wing continued to conduct its primary operations.
Combat Operations and Global Airlift
Support to Central Command operations: The wing’s airlift capabilities were demonstrated in June during a period that saw critical operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Pilots, loadmasters, and flying crew chiefs from the 37th Airlift Squadron and 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron deployed to the region. These Airmen delivered reliable airlift capability and enabled the safe movement of U.S. assets and personnel in support of national security requirements. In recognition of their courage and valor, the deployed Airmen earned the prestigious Department of the Air Force Gallant Unit Citation.
Maximum Generation Events: Twice during the year, the 86th AW executed “MAXGEN” events, generating and launching the majority of its C-130J Super Hercules, C-21, and C-37 fleet on short notice. These exercises highlighted the wing’s rapid global mobility capabilities and proved its readiness to respond to any contingency.
The Strategic Air Bridge: Geographically Separated Unit Highlights
Chièvres Air Base, Belgium: The 424th Air Base Squadron demonstrated its importance as both a key NATO support hub and a forward staging base for exercises like Agile Bison 25-1. While fulfilling its primary mission of supporting Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, the base also completed a multi-year network modernization and hosted its first Industry Day, strengthening local partnerships.
Lajes Field, Portugal: The 65th Air Base Group reaffirmed its role as a vital transatlantic air bridge, providing critical refueling support and ability to receive 12 refuelers from 5 separate units in less than 24 hours and subsequently execute multiple sorites over the span of 72 hours. A major focus was the expansion of support for the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon fleet, underscored by the initiation of an $11.4 million infrastructure project to construct upgraded facilities for the maritime patrol mission.
Morón Air Base, Spain: The 496th Air Base Squadron served as a strategic gateway to Africa and the Middle East, enabling the seamless flow of combat power during surge operations. A key infrastructure project for the year was the complete overhaul of the aircraft arresting system, ensuring the airfield’s readiness to support transient tactical aircraft and tenant units like the U.S. Marines.
Sharpening the Edge: Exercises, Training, and Modernization
The 86th AW and its tenant units participated in a demanding series of exercises, including NATO Tiger Meet, Exercise Falcon Strike, African Lion, and the Operation Varsity series. Ramstein was also a key test site for the DAF-level Energy Resilience Readiness Exercise. The principles of Agile Combat Employment were central to the year’s training, honing the wing’s ability to operate from austere locations. Readiness was a constant focus for the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, which engaged in multiple joint medical evacuation exercises. Furthermore, the wing advanced its base defense capabilities by further developing its counter-unmanned aerial systems program.
Sustainment and Logistics
The wing’s maintenance and logistics enterprise persevered through significant challenges. A noteworthy achievement was the resolution of a multi-year maintenance saga involving C-130, tail number A5736, which finally received its replacement wings and was sent to depot. This success was a testament to the persistence of maintainers who adapted to severe global supply chain disruptions. Across the theater, logistics personnel remained focused on the “set the theater” vision, managing ongoing munitions support and expanding USAFE’s War Reserve Materiel stockpiles.
Community, Commemoration, and Distinguished Visitors
The 86th AW upheld its solemn duties and strengthened community bonds throughout 2025. Ramstein assisted with two dignified transfers, to return America’s fallen to their loved ones as quickly as possible. The wing also commemorated the 81st anniversary of D-Day and the 80th anniversary of V-E Day through flyovers across Europe. In April, the wing hosted U.S. Vice President JD Vance during his first visit to Ramstein Air Base since taking office for a toast to the troops event with U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army service members. The 61st Annual Ramstein Bazaar and Freedom Fest open house strengthened host nation relationships and celebrated the enduring connections across the Kaiserslautern Military Community.
Conclusion
The challenges of 2025, from geopolitical shifts and combat deployments to internal disruptions, forged a more resilient and adaptable 86th Airlift Wing. Across every group and squadron, at every installation, Airmen met uncertainty with professionalism and executed the mission with unwavering dedication. As this historical record shows, the trials of 2025 did not diminish the wing’s readiness; they sharpened it. The 86th Airlift Wing moves forward, tested and proven, ready to meet the demands of the future, whatever they may be.
