During the visit, Brigadier General Karsikas engaged with 435th Air Ground Operations Wing (AGOW) and 435th Communications Operations Group (COG) leadership to gain insights into how U.S. Air Force expeditionary communications units prepare for and execute operations in contested environments to support warfighters. He discussed with unit leadership their rapid response mission, strategies for enhancing Allied interoperability, and the integration of emergent operational capabilities within their deployable CIS (DCIS) teams.
U.S. Airmen with the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and Brigadier General Karsikas (centre), NCISG DCOM and COS, along with his supporting staff at Ramstein Air Base, Ramstein, Germany, 11 March 2025.
General Karsikas observed and participated in live demonstrations and training for U.S. Air Force DCIS teams, highlighting the real-world applications of their force packages, intended to ensure capabilities match real-world employment needs and threats. He also visited the unit's state-of-the-art facilities, which serve as the unit’s central hub for preparing and deploying DCIS teams and equipment to meet operational needs across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
U.S. Airmen with the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing; Brigadier General Karsikas, NCISG DCOM/COS at Ramstein Air Base, Ramstein, Germany, 11 March 2025.
Brigadier General Karsikas gained insights into the latest U.S. Air Force CIS and DCIS force advancements and the crucial role of the 435 COG in executing US Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) missions.
His interactions with the dedicated Airmen of the 435 AGOW underscored their commitment to maintaining rapid response to deliver operational Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities at the speed of need, and to make joint war-fighters more lethal.
U.S. Airmen with the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and Brigadier General Karsikas (right), NCISG DCOM/COS, at Ramstein Air Base, Ramstein, Germany, 11 March 2025.
U.S. Airmen with the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and Brigadier General Karsikas (left), NCISG DCOM/COS, at Ramstein Air Base, Ramstein, Germany, 11 March 2025.
The visit reaffirmed the strong alliance between NATO members and highlighted shared commitments to security and collective defence. Brigadier General Karsikas emphasized the importance of unity and preparedness in addressing emerging global threats.
U.S. Airmen with the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and Brigadier General Karsikas (right), NCISG DCOM/COS, at Ramstein Air Base, Ramstein, Germany, 11 March 2025.