USAFE-AFAFRICA

USAFE-AFAFRICA Vision: A premier forward-based air force delivering operational excellence - highly respected, always ready - a fully engaged Joint and Combined partner.

USAFE-AFAFRICA Mission: USAFE-AFAFRICA executes the Air Force, USEUCOM, and USAFRICOM missions with forward-based Airpower and infrastructure to conduct and enable theater and global operations.

USAFE-AFAFRICA Directors

3rd Air Force Mission

Third Air Force is U.S. Air Forces in Europe's component numbered air force for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. Based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, 3rd Air Force directs all USAFE-AFAFRICA forces engaged in contingency and wartime operations in the EUCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility. Along with its headquarters operations directorate, the command is comprised of 10 wings, two groups, and the 603rd Air Operations Center.

USAFE-United Kingdom

U.S. Air Forces in Europe- United Kingdom (USAFE-UK), a forward detachment of USAFE-AFAFRICA, is headquartered at RAF Mildenhall, England.

USAFE-UK serves as the designated U.S. country representative for U.S. European Command and USAFE-AFAFRICA, providing primary military liaison to Her Majesty's government for all U.S. Visiting Forces. Its staff facilitates effective relationships with host nation representatives through ongoing dialogue and integration in international relations, international law, airspace operations, logistics and public affairs mission sets. The organization further serves as the focal point for overseas negotiations with Her Majesty's government on a wide range of issues.

USAFE-AFAFRICA Mission

As the air component for both U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), USAFE-AFAFRICA executes the Air Force, EUCOM and AFRICOM missions with forward-based airpower and infrastructure to conduct and enable theater and global operations. USAFE directs air operations in a theater spanning three continents, covering more than 19 million square miles, containing 104 independent states, and possessing more than a quarter of the world's population and more than a quarter of the world's Gross Domestic Product.


During the Cold War, USAFE-AFAFRICA was a fight-in-place fighter force postured for a large-scale conflict. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the command has transitioned to an Air Expeditionary Force with a mobile and deployable mix of people and resources that can simultaneously operate in multiple locations.
Its role in Europe and Africa has expanded from war-fighting toinclude humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, as well as other non-traditional contingencies throughout its area of responsibility.

In peacetime, USAFE-AFAFRICA trains and equips U.S. Air Force units pledged to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Combatant Commands

USAFE-AFAFRICA Band

The USAFE-AFAFRICA Band is comprised of 45 active duty Air Force musicians committed to fortifying international relationships, enhancing troop morale and fostering trust and friendship among the military, governmental and civilian populations within the European theatre. Through numerous international radio and television broadcasts and over 300 annual live performances, the USAFE-AFAFRICA Band brings America's musical heritage and Air Force excellence to millions across the continent.