17 AF annual awards

Maj. Gen. Ronald Ladnier, 17th Air Force Commander (left), and Chief Master Sgt. Steven Scott, acting 17th AF Command Chief (right), present the 2009 CGO of the Year award to Capt. Adam Clary, (A2), during the annual awards breakfast Feb. 9.

17 AF annual awards

Maj. Gen. Ronald Ladnier, 17th Air Force Commander (left), and Chief Master Sgt. Steven Scott, acting 17th AF Command Chief (right), present the 2009 SNCO of the Year award to Master Sgt. Michael Keeler, (A4/7) during the annual awards breakfast Feb. 9.

Friendship in Algeria

MARRAKECH, Morocco -- SSgt. Kyle Smart, 37th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, reviews C-130J aircraft forms with Maj. Brouche Ghani and Maj. Yousfi Salah, maintenance officers with the Algerian Air Force, during an engagement visit Jan. 25 in Algiers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Paula Kurtz)

Moroccan Air Show

MARRAKECH, Morocco -- Two CAP 232 aircraft from the Royal Moroccan Air Force aerobatics display team, the Green March, fly together during an airial demonstration Jan. 27. The Morocco Aeroexpo will run from Jan. 27 -30, which includes airial demonstrations from an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres)

Ummmm, chili!

AIR BASE, Germany -- Tech. Sgt. Laura Jacobs, 617th Air and Space Operations Center, enjoys a bowl of chili during the 617th’s Chili Cook-off Jan. 29 here. Sergeant Jacobs presented the idea of a cook-off to show appreciation to the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center for thier support as the 617th constructed its AOC. Until the 617th facilities opened earlier this month in the 17th AF HQ, both units conducted operations from the 603rd's Ramstein facilities. The AOC’s also shared training and operational expertise as the 617th prepared to assume command and control responsibilities in the African area of activity. In addition to food and festivities, the 617th offered a tour of their new AOC. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Fisher)

617th AOC Chili cook-off

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- (From left to right) The 617th Air and Space Operations Center's Lt. Col. Deron Reynolds and Master Sgt. Mary Hilbert join 603th Air and Space Operations Center counterparts Rob Murphy, Master Sgt. Misty Block and Maj. Jonathan Tucker in trying to determine which chili is the best, hottest and most original during the 617th’s Chili Cook-off Jan. 29 here. The 617th relied heavily on the 603rd for support while building their facility and capabilities as the AOC for 17th Air Force (Air Forces Africa). The 617th held the cook-off for their guests from the 603rd to show appreciation for all the assistance they received. Until the 617th facilities opened earlier this month in the 17th AF HQ, both units conducted operations from the 603rd's Ramstein facilities. The AOC’s also shared training and operational expertise as the 617th prepared to assume command and control responsibilities in the African area of activity. In addition to food and festivities, the 617th offered a tour of their new AOC. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jim Fisher)

CMSAF

The eighth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Sam Parish, visits members of the 17th Air Force during a tour here Jan. 20. The former CMSAF also took a tour of the 17th Air Force Headquarters building and directorates to have a better understanding of how the unit works with partner nations in Africa. He was advisor to secretaries of the Air Force Verne Orr and Russell A. Rourke and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Charles A. Gabriel. He served as U.S. Air Forces in Europe senior enlisted advisor at Ramstein from November 1977 to August 1980.

Callan delivers Super Hercules

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Members of the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron join aircrew from the 37th Airlift Squadron to welcome the new C-130J Super Hercules flown by 17th Air Force Vice Commander Brig. Gen. Michael Callan. (USAF photo by Master Sgt. Jim Fisher)

Happy Thanksgiving

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- 17th Air Force Vice Commander Brig. Gen. Michael Callan (left) joins Shift Leader Staff Sgt. Samantha Bustraan, 86th Services Squadron, at the Ramstein Dining Facility Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) to serve and celebrate the holiday with troops and their families. (USAF photo by Master Sgt. Jim Fisher)

CMSAF Roy visits 17th Air Force

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy (center) discusses the mission of Air Forces Africa with 17th Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Ron Ladnier (right) and Senior Master Sgt. William Griesemer during a visit here Nov. 24. The CMSAF visited with members of the component numbered air force, which serves as the air component for U.S. Africa Command and learned about the evolving mission of engagement with partner nations in Africa. Chief Roy also conveyed holiday wishes to the troops and their families. (USAF photo by Master Sgt. Jim Fisher)

Air Forces Africa visits Senegal

KAOLACK, Senegal -- Members of the 3d Infantry Brigade Honor Platoon greet Brig. Gen. Mike Callan here Oct. 30. General Callan served as guest speaker at the graduation ceremony for the first class of NCO Academy instructors. (USAF photo by Maj. Paula Kurtz)

17th Air Force NCO awarded Bronze Star

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Tech Sgt. Willie Thompson (right), 17th Air Force, joins 617th Air and Space Operations Center Commander Col. Andy Redmond in displaying his certificate after receiving the Bronze Star Oct. 20. Colonel Redmond decorated Sergeant Thompson for exceptional performance and dedication to duty while serving in Iraq from August of 2008 to February of 2009. During this tour, Sergeant Thompson served as the NCO in charge of operations for a task force involved in high-priority combat missions. In the medal citation, Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Votel lauded the NCO's leadership and organizational skills as playing a "critical role" in mission accomplishment. Congratulations Sergeant Thompson! (USAF photo by Master Sgt. Jim Fisher)