USAFE News Service

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) – Russian air force officials received a first-hand look at U.S. Air Forces in Europe operations during a visit here May 19-21.

Gen. Lt. Alexandr Nikolayevich Zelin, deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Federation Air Forces and the Chief of Aviation of the Russian Federation Air Forces, and Gen. Maj. Alexandr Nikolayevich Kharchevskiy, Chief of the Russian Air Force Center for the Combat Employment and Retraining of Flying personnel and the Chief of Lipetsk Garrison, toured the base and met with USAFE officials discussing current world events and the global war on terrorism.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen some improvements in our (U.S. and Russian) relationship, based on current situations in the world,” said Zelin.  “…after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, we improved our relations and we are jointly fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.  We were invited to Ramstein by Gen. (Gregory S.) Martin (USAFE commander) to see and familiarize ourselves with the base, and this visit also goes along the lines of our (fight) in the global war on terrorism.”

The packed itinerary included flights in F-15Es, from the 494th Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England; and command briefings by the Russian Federation Air Force, USAFE and Air North.  In addition, the group also traveled to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany to learn about the 52nd Fighter Wing mission.

“We promote our cooperation (with the U.S.) on every possible level – political and military,” said Zelin.  “We had a chance to look at the operations here at Ramstein Air Base and the servicemen (and women) who live and work here.  In addition, we also saw some of their problems, and we can say that we have, more or less, similar problems at home.”

Zelin also touched on the prospect of Russia being involved in future NATO missions.

“We are currently looking into the possibility of using Russian aircraft to fulfill NATO missions,” Zelin said.  “That would include our tankers for refueling NATO aircraft in carrying out the global war on terrorism, as well as (being instrumental in) disaster relief operations in case of man-made catastrophes on the European continent.”

While, in Zelin’s opinion, the future partnership and relationship between the two countries air forces depends on the decisions made by higher levels of command, the Russian officials were very grateful for the opportunity to visit USAFE.

“On behalf of our group and delegation, I would like to thank Gen. Martin for this kind invitation,” Zelin said.  “We have (enjoyed) this opportunity to look at the operation of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, him showing us around and a chance for this open dialogue.”