Approximately 300 qualified evacuees from Afghanistan arrived at Ramstein Air Base, August 20, 2021, as part of Operation Allies Refuge. The evacuees arrived on two U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, marking the first arrivals of evacuees into Ramstein Air Base. 

In partnership with the host nation, Ramstein is serving as a transit location while the individuals await further transportation to more permanent resettlement locations. The base has prepared temporary lodging for the evacuees in aircraft hangars, and they will remain on the installation during their transit through Germany. The base is taking appropriate security and health protection measures to protect the health and safety of the evacuees, our members and our community. 

“We have been working closely with our higher headquarters, U.S. Department of State and host nation officials to support the safe passage of vulnerable Afghans and other evacuees out of harm’s way,” said Brig. Gen. Josh Olson, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “Ramstein personnel are working tirelessly to ensure the evacuees have a safe, secure place to rest. I am incredibly proud of our team’s ability to adapt and mobilize this herculean effort at a moment’s notice.”

Ramstein Air Base has been one of the Air Force’s largest en-route locations for decades, providing transient support to contingency response and humanitarian missions around the world.