American-French Support Agreement Signed at Ramstein

Ramstein Air Base, Germany -- (SIRPA-Air) January 19, 2006 -- French and U.S. Air Forces in Europe military leaders met here Jan. 19 to sign a Technical Arrangement that refined the support relationship between the USAFE and the French Military Mission to USAFE assigned to Component Command Air Headquarters Ramstein.

Brig. Gen. Mike Snodgrass and Brig. Gen. Philippe Leheup (FAF Photo).

The official signing was done by Brig. Gen. Mike Snodgrass, USAFE Plans and Programs director, and Brig. Gen. Philippe Leheup, Chief of French Military Mission to USAFE and Component Command Air Headquarters Ramstein.

"Progress on this arrangement was typical of our close working relationship with our French comrades," said General Snodgrass. "Everything went as planned, and we achieved an extremely positive result for both parties."

General Snodgrass explained that the USAFE and French missions were currently exploring the possibility of sharing weather information between the two Air Forces. "This is just one of many successful endeavors with the French Mission,” he said.

The Technical Arrangement, which can be compared to a Base Support Agreement, covers a wide range of services provided to USAFE’s French Allies at Ramstein. Everything from Housing to Health Care is spelled out so that there is a clear understanding of what level of support is available and the method of reimbursement, if required. This is the fifth of 11 agreements involving NATO partners being updated by USAFE Plans and Programs.

"This update is very well timed," said General LeHeup. "With our recent move to the new NATO Headquarters building on Ramstein, most of the ways we receive support have changed.”

General Leheup also saw this as very successful collaboration. In closing he remarked, “We are looking forward to improving bilateral relationship, for example units exchanges in Europe.”

• French Air Force
  

• U.S Air Forces in Europe