United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa

Overview

The United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) is one of two regionally oriented main commands of the United States Air Force (USAF), along with the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). It is responsible for planning, conducting, and supporting air force operations in Europe and Africa. USAFE-AFAFRICA is also the airspace component of the United States European Command (EUCOM) and NATO, as well as the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).

Structure

The headquarters of USAFE-AFAFRICA are located at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, with Commander General James B. Hecker since May 1, 2019. The command maintains five main bases:

* RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom
* Ramstein Air Base and Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany
* Aviano Air Base in Italy

In addition to these main bases, USAFE-AFAFRICA operates 80 other facilities across Europe and Africa, including:

* Morón Air Base in Spain
* Incirlik Air Base in Turkey
* RAF Alconbury and RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom
* Chiévres Air Base in Belgium

History

The United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) was established at the end of World War II. Initially, its headquarters were located on Wiesbaden Air Base in Germany from 1945 to 1973. Since then, it has been based at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Responsibilities

As a major command, USAFE-AFAFRICA is responsible for planning and conducting air force operations in Europe and Africa. It also supports the United States European Command (EUCOM) and NATO, as well as the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).