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Spangdahlem reaches final phase of Rhein-Main transition

  • Published
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  - Lt. Gen. William Welser III, 18th Air Force commander, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and a team of mobility leaders visited here Saturday to gain a first-hand look at the base's progress in the Rhein-Main transition. The team's visit followed a trip to Ramstein AB and provided 52nd Fighter Wing leadership the insight of veteran mobility members in regard to upcoming projects.

"What is impressive, both here and at Ramstein, is the amount of construction going on," said General Welser. "[The transition] is progressing at the right pace. A good timeline was established, and everyone is focused on meeting it."

During his tour, General Welser witnessed Rhein-Main Transition Project construction taking place on Spangdahlem's south side.

"The general was amazed by our progress, especially on the aircraft parking and refueling sites," said Pete Neukom, base RMTP Office project officer.

Standing on one edge of the main ramp and petroleum, oil and lubricants project site, the general witnessed progress in the making -- 1.4 million cubic-meters of dirt cleared for the installation of 11 gas hydrants and the laying of eight-inch, double-walled stainless-steel piping.

Following three years of planning and construction, Spangdahlem is near the final phase of completing a 170 million euro buildup to take on Rhein-Main's heavy airlifters and refuelers, such as the C-5 and KC-135, by October 2005, as an addition to the 52nd Fighter Wing's F-16s and A-10s. The base is now set for the construction of lodging facilities.

"They're designed, and next, we're going to solicit contracts for building, scheduled to begin next month," said Mr. Neukom.

Following planning, the project's most intensive phase included the closure of the base's main taxiway from March to August 2003, which made way for the construction of large-aircraft parking areas, connecting taxiways and new electrical and drainage systems.

When the transition is complete, Ramstein will absorb the bulk of Rhein-Main's airlift mission, and Spangdahlem will double as an overflow base for aircraft flying into and out of Europe.

"My first trip to Germany was as a captain in a C-141," said General Welser. "To see how Ramstein has grown since then is just phenomenal. There is improvement in infrastructure there to help us effectively meet warfighter requirements."

Although Spangdahlem is smaller than Ramstein, General Welser said he foresees that Spangdahlem will see its fair share of air mobility activity as a European hub.

"We're going to have 11 parking areas here plus a hot-cargo area, so it won't be as large as what's available at Ramstein, but it will be a modern facility with refueling capability. It's going to be a very busy operation here," he said.

To help the 52nd FW execute its new air mobility role, Spangdahlem may serve as host to a tenant air mobility squadron in October 2005.

"Eventually, the 726th Air Mobility Squadron will move from Rhein-Main to Spangdahlem," said General Welser. "It's an important part of the infrastructure we have throughout the world to better support our mission. But, whether it's here or at Ramstein, it will operate no differently; it's still a very important part of the air mobility mission.

"It's exciting to partner the 52nd Fighter Wing with a tenant AMC mission. We fight wars together -- our partners from mobility air forces and combat air forces -- and to be collocated at the same base is no problem at all. In fact, it gives us a better appreciation for each other's mission," he said. "This is going to be a great hub for us -- it's a great facility, and the spirit I've seen in the people here is just outstanding."

Teamwork and cooperation is a formula that is critical for success of the transition project.

"I'm most impressed by the partnership at Spangdahlem," he said. "It's not just a military partnership, but it's the great support we're given by the Spangdahlem community, including the local mayors and other individuals. You should be very proud of the teamwork you have here, and I see it as being a very positive mission in the future of this community."