Liberty Wing maintainers support U.S. and Norwegian F-35s at Ramstein 1v1 Exercise

In a display of camaraderie and trust, maintenance professionals from the 439rd Fighter Generation Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, traveled to Ramstein Air Base, Germany to support Norwegian and U.S. F-35 Lightning II aircraft during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s first-ever basic fighter maneuvers exercise.

The exercise, known as Ramstein 1v1, aimed to enhance relationships among allies by sharing tactics, techniques, and experiences related to basic fighter maneuvers. A total of 37 fighter aircraft from nine NATO countries participated in the exercise, including F-35A Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, Eurofighter Typhoons, Dassault Rafale Cs, F/A-18 Hornets, and a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk.

RAF Lakenheath contributed two F-35s from the 493 Fighter Squadron, along with four crew chiefs and experts in avionics and weapons systems. Lt. Col. Michael Loringer emphasized the importance of teamwork in successful military operations, highlighting the role of trust in building effective partnerships.

During the exercise, the 493rd FGS maintainers worked closely with Royal Norwegian Air Force Airmen to service the RNAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft. This collaboration showcased the commitment to strengthening interoperability between allies and furthered the goal of enabling any aircraft to operate at any NATO airbase.

The exercise not only provided an opportunity for U.S. maintainers to showcase their capabilities but also allowed them to service F-35s from RAF Lakenheath participating in the 1v1. The daily tasks involved inspecting and preparing the aircraft for safe flight operations, as well as performing cold integrated combat turns to ensure readiness for subsequent missions.

Through exercises like Ramstein 1v1, participants were able to enhance their skills and strengthen multi-capable Airmen through Agile Combat Employment operations. The event exemplified the dedication of maintenance professionals in upholding operational readiness and fostering cooperation among allies in a fast-paced and challenging environment.