U.S. Air Force Col. Denny R. Davies, left, 86th Airlift Wing commander, Ralf Hechler, right, Ramstein-Miesenbach mayor, and Airman Basic Paola Kpandja, 86th Maintenance Squadron C-130J Super Hercules avionics apprentice, cut a birthday cake during the 86th AW’s 78th birthday celebration at the Rheinland Inn Dining Facility on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 1, 2026. The ceremony commemorated the wing’s activation on July 1, 1948, and recognized nearly eight decades of supporting air mobility, humanitarian assistance and global operations around Europe and beyond. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Harima)
Team Ramstein celebrated the 86th Airlift Wing 78th birthday at the Rheinland Inn Dining Facility on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 1, 2026. The event recognized the 86 AW’s 78 years of service and commitment to providing rapid global air mobility and support across multiple theaters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Harima)
U.S. Air Force Col. Denny R. Davies, left, 86th Airlift Wing commander, Ralf Hechler, right, Ramstein-Miesenbach mayor, and Airman Basic Paola Kpandja, 86th Maintenance Squadron C-130J Super Hercules avionics apprentice, pose for a photo during the 86th AW’s 78th birthday celebration at the Rheinland Inn Dining Facility on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 1, 2026. Activated on July 1, 1948, the 86th AW evolved from a Cold War fighter wing into the U.S. Air Force’s premier air mobility hub in Europe, supporting airlift, aeromedical and contingency operations worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Harima)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Crash Taylor, 786th Force Support Squadron food service journeyman, serves a piece of cake to Airman 1st Class Mateo Salas, 86th Security Forces Squadron defender, during the 86th Airlift Wing’s 78th birthday celebration at the Rheinland Inn Dining Facility on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 1, 2026. The celebration honored the wing’s heritage and commemorated its role in projecting airpower and supporting U.S. and Allied operations across the European theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Harima)
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