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Jennifer H. Svan

Master Sgt. Aaron Sauke, 779th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, completes his engine startup checks on a C-130 Hercules prior to departure at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Aug. 4, 2019. All but one of 113 C-130 Hercules aircraft inspected for wing cracks have been returned to operations.<br>Michael Mason/U.S. Air Force
Master Sgt. Aaron Sauke, 779th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, completes his engine startup checks on a C-130 Hercules prior to departure at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Aug. 4, 2019. All but one of 113 C-130 Hercules aircraft inspected for wing cracks have been returned to operations.<br>Michael Mason/U.S. Air Force

Most C-130s returned to flying after Air Force completes inspection

The Air Force has completed inspections of more than a quarter of its fleet of C-130 Hercules transports, which were pulled from flying operations after the discovery of signs of cracking on the wing joints.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

This street on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, shows a typical neighborhood on base, Aug. 14, 2019. Under a new program being rolled out to ease a chronic child care shortage, military spouses who volunteer and qualify to be family child care providers will get priority placement for base housing in the Kaiserslautern area.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
This street on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, shows a typical neighborhood on base, Aug. 14, 2019. Under a new program being rolled out to ease a chronic child care shortage, military spouses who volunteer and qualify to be family child care providers will get priority placement for base housing in the Kaiserslautern area.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Ramstein offers families base housing in exchange for providing child care

To move to the top of the waiting list for on-base housing, families must sign a contract agreeing to provide child care of up to 50 hours a week per child, for up to six children, for at least 18 months.

Students enrolled in the Army's Captains Career Course participate in a simulated natural disaster field training exercise at Camp Bullis, Texas, in May 2019. Officers are now required to take the standardized GRE test when they're enrolled in the CCC.<br>Jose Rodriguez/U.S. Army
Students enrolled in the Army's Captains Career Course participate in a simulated natural disaster field training exercise at Camp Bullis, Texas, in May 2019. Officers are now required to take the standardized GRE test when they're enrolled in the CCC.<br>Jose Rodriguez/U.S. Army

With new Army policy, officers take standardized GRE test during Captains Career Course

A new Army policy means officers have to take the Graduate Records Examination, or GRE, when they’re taking the four- to six-month Captains Career Course. Not everyone thinks the move will have the results the Army is looking for.

A C-130 Hercules flies over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in July 2019. Nearly one-fourth of the Air Force's fleet of C-130s is being pulled for inspection after ''atypical'' cracks were found on the lower center wing joint during scheduled depot maintenance, Air Mobility Command announced late Wednesday.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
A C-130 Hercules flies over Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in July 2019. Nearly one-fourth of the Air Force's fleet of C-130s is being pulled for inspection after ''atypical'' cracks were found on the lower center wing joint during scheduled depot maintenance, Air Mobility Command announced late Wednesday.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Cracks found in Air National Guard C-130 wing parts prompt partial grounding of fleet

The cracks on the lower center wing joint were discovered on an Air National Guard C-130 H-model at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., during depot maintenance.

Brig. Gen. Gregory Brady receives the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command colors from Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe commander, during the change of command ceremony held at the Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Aug. 7, 2019.<br>Christopher Dennis/Stars and Stripes
Brig. Gen. Gregory Brady receives the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command colors from Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe commander, during the change of command ceremony held at the Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Aug. 7, 2019.<br>Christopher Dennis/Stars and Stripes

Germany thanks outgoing US missile defense commander with rare award

The outgoing commander of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Col. David E. Shank, received the Silver German Armed Forces Cross of Honor prior to handing over command of the AAMDC to Brig. Gen. Gregory J. Brady.

The Air Force announced Aug.1, 2019 it will stop operations for one day over the next 45 days so commanders can discuss suicide prevention and mental health with airmen.<br>
The Air Force announced Aug.1, 2019 it will stop operations for one day over the next 45 days so commanders can discuss suicide prevention and mental health with airmen.<br>

Air Force units will pause operations to address alarming suicide rate

If airman suicides continue at their current pace, this year’s deaths by suicide in the service would far eclipse last year’s. In 2018, 60 active duty airmen, 17 Air National Guard and three Air Force reservists died by suicide for a total of 80 airmen.

Soldiers of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command salute as they pass in review at the conclusion of the unit's change of command ceremony at Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Maj. Gen. Christopher O. Mohan took the reins of the 21st TSC from Maj. Gen. Steven A. Shapiro at the ceremony.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Soldiers of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command salute as they pass in review at the conclusion of the unit's change of command ceremony at Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Maj. Gen. Christopher O. Mohan took the reins of the 21st TSC from Maj. Gen. Steven A. Shapiro at the ceremony.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Army’s two-star sustainment command in Europe gets a new leader

Maj. Gen. Christopher O. Mohan took command Wednesday of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, a unit whose role has greatly expanded across Eastern Europe. Mohan, a career logistician, replaces Maj. Gen. Steven Shapiro.

Stacey Butler, right, a clothing designer with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Air Force Uniform Office, measures Capt. Taylor Harrison's maternity Airman Battle Uniform in 2017. The Air Force is seeking feedback on its maternity uniforms through an online survey.<br>Brian Brackens/U.S. Air Force
Stacey Butler, right, a clothing designer with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Air Force Uniform Office, measures Capt. Taylor Harrison's maternity Airman Battle Uniform in 2017. The Air Force is seeking feedback on its maternity uniforms through an online survey.<br>Brian Brackens/U.S. Air Force

Air Force seeks feedback on new maternity uniforms

All women in the Air Force will receive an email about the survey, but only those who have worn the new maternity uniform or are currently wearing it will be invited to complete the full questionnaire.

Wounded warriors go through wheelchair rugby practice drills at the Warrior Care event at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The event, which is part of the Air Force Wounded Warrior program, is the first of its kind at an Air Force base in Europe.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Wounded warriors go through wheelchair rugby practice drills at the Warrior Care event at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The event, which is part of the Air Force Wounded Warrior program, is the first of its kind at an Air Force base in Europe.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

GALLERY

‘They just get it’: Wounded airmen recover with help from their own

Caregivers, families and more than 40 warriors — active duty and medically retired airmen facing serious wounds, injuries or illnesses — participated in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program’s Warrior Care event, the first ever in Europe.

The chips and salsa were an excellent starter at Fiesta Mexicana in Mackenbach, Germany. The chunky salsa had a good kick and tasted homemade and fresh.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
The chips and salsa were an excellent starter at Fiesta Mexicana in Mackenbach, Germany. The chunky salsa had a good kick and tasted homemade and fresh.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

The search for authentic Mexican food in Kaiserslautern ends at Fiesta Mexicana

At Fiesta Mexicana in Mackenbach, one of the newer Mexican restaurants in the Kaiserslautern area, cumin is in the spice rotation, as are other traditional Mexican spices, say husband-and-wife owners Eduardo Fernandez Garcia and Lydia Schamp.

Paratroopers assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Group at Ramstein Air Base jump out of a 37th Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules over the air base Tuesday, July 2, 2019.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Paratroopers assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Group at Ramstein Air Base jump out of a 37th Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules over the air base Tuesday, July 2, 2019.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Ramstein airmen practice parachuting skills close to home

Three dozen Air Force paratroopers dropped from a clear, blue sky Tuesday onto Ramstein Air Base’s busy airfield, getting a rare chance to practice their parachuting skills close to home.

Protesters march outside Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on June 30, 2018. Several thousand protestors are expected to demonstrate again this weekend, calling for the end of drone warfare and the closure of Ramstein Air Base.<br>STARS AND STRIPES
Protesters march outside Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on June 30, 2018. Several thousand protestors are expected to demonstrate again this weekend, calling for the end of drone warfare and the closure of Ramstein Air Base.<br>STARS AND STRIPES

Protesters to rally outside Ramstein against alleged drone operations

The annual demonstration against Ramstein Air Base, the largest U.S. military base in Germany, could include a temporary blockade of the main access road, although organizers and police say the protest is expected to be peaceful.

High school students wait for the school bus in the Ikego housing area near Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Monday, Aug. 27, 2018.<br>Caitlin Doornbos/Stars and Stripes
High school students wait for the school bus in the Ikego housing area near Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Monday, Aug. 27, 2018.<br>Caitlin Doornbos/Stars and Stripes

Planned course cuts, bigger classes at schools for military kids frustrate families, teachers

While DODEA officials are not sharing details, a union representing DODEA educators says cuts will touch nearly every school outside the U.S. and include more than two dozen course offerings across the Pacific and Europe; there will also be a reduction in the number of sections of certain classes and increased class sizes.

German immersion teacher Gabriele Arseneault talks to Landstuhl Elementary/Middle School students about a book her class read together on the first day of the 2018-19 school year.<br>Will Morris/Stars and Stripes
German immersion teacher Gabriele Arseneault talks to Landstuhl Elementary/Middle School students about a book her class read together on the first day of the 2018-19 school year.<br>Will Morris/Stars and Stripes

Foreign-language, science, culinary arts among DODEA courses on chopping block

Here are some specifics about planned cuts at base schools, from Okinawa to Germany, England to South Korea.

Candace Balfour and Sgt. 1st Class Edward Balfour are pictured with their children in their home at Robinson Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. Bryson Washington sits on the floor with a book. The Balfours said they were were frustrated and angry at the way the military's school system handled a finding of emotional abuse substantiated by the Family Advocacy Program against Bryson's former teacher. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Candace Balfour and Sgt. 1st Class Edward Balfour are pictured with their children in their home at Robinson Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. Bryson Washington sits on the floor with a book. The Balfours said they were were frustrated and angry at the way the military's school system handled a finding of emotional abuse substantiated by the Family Advocacy Program against Bryson's former teacher. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

When DODEA investigates its teachers for bullying, parents say they’re left in the dark

Parents and former school employees described disturbing behavior involving teachers at three DODEA schools in Europe. Their allegations include educators berating and mocking second graders, calling a kindergartner by a racist term and locking a special needs fourth-grader out of the classroom.

The law center at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. A military judge here, found Airman 1st Class Jordan Hickman guilty of sexual assault and larceny on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 and sentenced him Thursday to three years in prison, a dishonorable discharge and an order to forfeit all pay and allowances.<br>
The law center at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. A military judge here, found Airman 1st Class Jordan Hickman guilty of sexual assault and larceny on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 and sentenced him Thursday to three years in prison, a dishonorable discharge and an order to forfeit all pay and allowances.<br>

Ramstein airman guilty of sexually assaulting another airman, stealing his PlayStation

After sexually assaulting a drunk airman in the airman’s own dormitory bed last year, Airman 1st Class Jordan Hickman left the victim’s door as he found it — cracked open — and left, carrying a PlayStation console under his arm.

An F-35 Lightning II, part of European theater security package, sits on the flight line at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 18, 2019.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
An F-35 Lightning II, part of European theater security package, sits on the flight line at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 18, 2019.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

Utah-based F-35s fly over German skies as extended deployment starts

The skies above Spangdahlem Air Base roared Tuesday with the sounds of F-35s, as Utah-based airmen took the Air Force’s newest fighter jets on their first extended deployment to Germany.

Cases of distilled spirits are packed away at the Camp America mini mart in order to be shipped to the main Navy Exchange at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Aug. 27, 2013.<br>David Bolton/U.S. Army National Guard
Cases of distilled spirits are packed away at the Camp America mini mart in order to be shipped to the main Navy Exchange at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Aug. 27, 2013.<br>David Bolton/U.S. Army National Guard

NY man found guilty after bribing Navy Exchange employee $100,000 for tax-free alcohol

Edwin D. Fragoso, 45, of Freeport, N.Y., pleaded guilty Friday in New York’s Eastern District federal court to one count of conspiracy. He paid nearly $100,000 in bribes to a NEX employee in exchange for tax-free booze and resold the liquor for profit, according to a Justice Department statement.

Retired U.S. Col. Gail Halvorsen greets spectators after arriving at the 70th anniversary commemoration of the end of the Berlin Airlift at Clay Kaserne airfield, Monday, June 10, 2019.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
Retired U.S. Col. Gail Halvorsen greets spectators after arriving at the 70th anniversary commemoration of the end of the Berlin Airlift at Clay Kaserne airfield, Monday, June 10, 2019.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

'Candy bomber' joins tens of thousands on base for 70th anniversary of Berlin Airlift’s end

Retired U.S. Col. Gail Halvorsen — better known in these parts as the “Candy Bomber” — will always be a hero in the eyes of the German children who grew up in postwar Berlin, no matter how old they grow. On Monday, some of those who remember Halvorsen's heroics gathered to honor him.

Wiesbaden???s Markez Middlebrooks won the long jump competition with a leap of 21 feet, 9.75 inches at the DODEA-Europe track and field finals in Kaiserslautern, Saturday, May 25, 2019. He also won the 100- and 200-meter dashes. Middlebrooks has been named the Stars and Stripes boys Athlete of the Year for track and field.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Wiesbaden???s Markez Middlebrooks won the long jump competition with a leap of 21 feet, 9.75 inches at the DODEA-Europe track and field finals in Kaiserslautern, Saturday, May 25, 2019. He also won the 100- and 200-meter dashes. Middlebrooks has been named the Stars and Stripes boys Athlete of the Year for track and field.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Boys track AOY

Middlebrooks happiest on court, but shines on other surfaces

Markez Middlebrooks is at a basketball player at heart. But he may be remembered more at Wiesbaden for his athletic feats during the spring season.

Stuttgart???s McKinley Fielding was on her way to winning the the 3,200-meter race in a new DODEA-Europe record of 11 minutes, 7.78 seconds, beating the old record by almost 20 seconds on May 25, 2019. A day earlier she also broke the record in the 1,600 She has been selected as the Stars and Stripes girls Athlete of the Year for track and field.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Stuttgart???s McKinley Fielding was on her way to winning the the 3,200-meter race in a new DODEA-Europe record of 11 minutes, 7.78 seconds, beating the old record by almost 20 seconds on May 25, 2019. A day earlier she also broke the record in the 1,600 She has been selected as the Stars and Stripes girls Athlete of the Year for track and field.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Girls track AOY

Fielding carried over wrestling mentality to track

The Stuttgart sophomore ran personal bests and smashed European records in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs at this spring’s DODEA-Europe track and field championships.

Maj. Clark Condict, left, and Maj. Bryan Guidry prepare the C-40B for its last departure from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, before transferring to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, on June 7, 2019. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Maj. Clark Condict, left, and Maj. Bryan Guidry prepare the C-40B for its last departure from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, before transferring to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, on June 7, 2019. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

C-40B aircraft that served VIPs departs Ramstein for its new home in Maryland

The aircraft designed to be an “office in the sky” for senior military and government leaders flew out of Ramstein Air Base Friday for its new home at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

The Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence selection team enters the C-130J Super Hercules flight simulator facility on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 15, 2019. Ramstein was named one of five recipients of the 2019 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.<br>Milton Hamilton/U.S. Air Force
The Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence selection team enters the C-130J Super Hercules flight simulator facility on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 15, 2019. Ramstein was named one of five recipients of the 2019 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.<br>Milton Hamilton/U.S. Air Force

Ramstein to receive $700,000 for base improvements

Ramstein Air Base is set to receive a $700,000 prize to be used for base and quality of life improvements after winning Defense Department recognition for its performance.

A C-130J from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, sports a 'W7' and "invasion stripes," a vintage paint scheme to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France. C-47 aircraft from the former 37th Troop Carrier Squadron were painted with similar markings when dropping paratroopers in Normandy on D-Day.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
A C-130J from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, sports a 'W7' and "invasion stripes," a vintage paint scheme to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France. C-47 aircraft from the former 37th Troop Carrier Squadron were painted with similar markings when dropping paratroopers in Normandy on D-Day.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Ramstein C-130Js with ‘invasion stripes’ head to Normandy for 75th D-Day anniversary

The 37th Airlift Squadron sent three C-130Js to France on Wednesday decked out with a new paint scheme. World War II veterans who fought at Normandy likely would recognize the markings immediately.

Ramstein's Jaya Worthington clears the next to last hurdle on her way to winning the girls 100-meter hurdles in 16.07 seconds at the DODEA-Europe track and field finals in Kaiserslautern, Saturday, May 25, 2019. At right is Vicenza's Ivani Turner, who finished third.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Ramstein's Jaya Worthington clears the next to last hurdle on her way to winning the girls 100-meter hurdles in 16.07 seconds at the DODEA-Europe track and field finals in Kaiserslautern, Saturday, May 25, 2019. At right is Vicenza's Ivani Turner, who finished third.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

DODEA-Europe Track - Day 2

Fielding breaks second record as Panthers share title

One record was shattered on a day that saw a parade of returning and new champions take their places on the podium Saturday.

Stuttgart's McKinley Fielding already has a big lead after the first lap on her way to winning the girls 1,600-meter race in a new DODEA-Europe record of 5 minutes, 8.49 seconds at the track and field finals, Friday, May, 24, 2019. Fielding took the bronze in the 800-meter race.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Stuttgart's McKinley Fielding already has a big lead after the first lap on her way to winning the girls 1,600-meter race in a new DODEA-Europe record of 5 minutes, 8.49 seconds at the track and field finals, Friday, May, 24, 2019. Fielding took the bronze in the 800-meter race.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

DODEA-Europe track - Day 1

Athletes give it their all in hopes of leaving a mark

Both Stuttgart sophomore McKinley Fielding and Ramstein senior Dashiell Rogers erased marks achieved by former athletes at their respective schools.

Spangdahlem's Chloe Smith and Hohenfels' Marycate Jackson battle for control of the ball during the girls Division III DODEA-Europe soccer championship game, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Spangdahlem won the game 4-2. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
Spangdahlem's Chloe Smith and Hohenfels' Marycate Jackson battle for control of the ball during the girls Division III DODEA-Europe soccer championship game, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Spangdahlem won the game 4-2. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

D-III girls final

Spangdahlem caps perfect season with another title

It was a tale of two halves in the DODEA-Europe Division III girls soccer championship game Thursday between the defending champion Spangdahlem Sentinels and the Hohenfels Tigers.

Marymount goalie Romana Bardetti just misses the ball during the girls Division II DODEA-Europe soccer championship game against BFA, Thursday, May 23, 2019. BFA won the game 5-0. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
Marymount goalie Romana Bardetti just misses the ball during the girls Division II DODEA-Europe soccer championship game against BFA, Thursday, May 23, 2019. BFA won the game 5-0. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

D-II girls final

BFA starts slowly, but earns decisive victory

The first half of Thursday’s DODEA-Europe Division II girls’ soccer finals was scoreless for more than 30 minutes.

Wiesbaden's goalie Karli Wallace stops a shot during the girls Division I DODEA-Europe soccer championship game against Naples, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Wiesbaden won the game 2-0. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
Wiesbaden's goalie Karli Wallace stops a shot during the girls Division I DODEA-Europe soccer championship game against Naples, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Wiesbaden won the game 2-0. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

D-I girls final

Wiesbaden regains title by downing Naples

The Wiesbaden Warriors on Thursday made good on the lofty goal they set at the start of the season - to bring home the DODEA-Europe Division I girls’ soccer championship.

BFA's Yewon Park smiles after scoring a goal against Rota during a Division II semifinal game on the third day of the DODEA-Europe soccer championships, Wednesday, May 22, 2019.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
BFA's Yewon Park smiles after scoring a goal against Rota during a Division II semifinal game on the third day of the DODEA-Europe soccer championships, Wednesday, May 22, 2019.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

D-II girls semifinals

Marymount will have to navigate Black Forest

Playing Division I powerhouses Wiesbaden and Stuttgart during the regular season helped the Falcons prepare for Rota, a team that went 6-0 during the regular season.

Kaiserslautern keeper Alyssa Bodine stops Naples' Roxanne Sasse in a Division I semifinal at Reichenbach, Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Despite the effort by both, Sasse was called offsides. Naples won 3-0 to advance to Thursday's final against Wiesbaden.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Kaiserslautern keeper Alyssa Bodine stops Naples' Roxanne Sasse in a Division I semifinal at Reichenbach, Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Despite the effort by both, Sasse was called offsides. Naples won 3-0 to advance to Thursday's final against Wiesbaden.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

D-I girls soccer semifinals

Wildcats, Warriors both going for another 'W'

While the Warriors spoke of feeling like the figurative Division I underdogs, the Wildcats, one of the smaller schools playing in Division I, might fit that role as well.

Vietnamese bun bo nam bo is traditionally beef noodle salad, but at Lila South Vietnamese Specialties in Kaiserslautern, Germany, the dish is served with fried tofu upon request. The portions at Lila are huge.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Vietnamese bun bo nam bo is traditionally beef noodle salad, but at Lila South Vietnamese Specialties in Kaiserslautern, Germany, the dish is served with fried tofu upon request. The portions at Lila are huge.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Bistro in Kaiserslautern specializes in home-cooked, southern Vietnamese cuisine

From its family-run kitchen to emphasis on traditional recipes, Lila appears to have the right ingredients to back Hoa Hiep Nguyen’s bold claim that his downtown bistro serves up the most authentic Vietnamese food in town.

Nicole Sewell displays the motto towards education on her graduation cap at the UMUC Europe commencement on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Sewell received a bachelor's degree in literature and earned the highest GPA of all undergraduates.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Nicole Sewell displays the motto towards education on her graduation cap at the UMUC Europe commencement on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Sewell received a bachelor's degree in literature and earned the highest GPA of all undergraduates.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

GALLERY

UMUC graduates juggled military, family duties to earn college degrees

UMUC Europe isn’t a typical college, churning out fresh-faced young adults four years out of high school. This year, 46 percent of the class was active duty, and many graduates juggled school with working full-time and raising a family. Some even hit the books downrange: 85 graduates earned their degrees while deployed.

New U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Commander Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian speaks after taking command at a change-of-command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, May 1, 2019.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
New U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Commander Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian speaks after taking command at a change-of-command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, May 1, 2019.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

‘You can’t surge trust’: Partnerships are among Harrigian’s priorities for Air Force in Europe, Africa

Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian learned a lesson he thinks will serve him well as the new commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa: Taking the time to get to know his coalition counterparts makes a huge difference.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein passes the guidon to new U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Commander Gen. Jeffery L. Harrigian at a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, May 1, 2019. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein passes the guidon to new U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Commander Gen. Jeffery L. Harrigian at a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, May 1, 2019. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

Seasoned fighter pilot with experience in Europe takes command of USAFE-AFAFRICA

Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian assumed command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa from Gen. Tod D. Wolters at a ceremony presided over by some of the military’s top commanders, including Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein.

An F-35B Lightning II aircraft prepares to land behind another F-35B on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp during operations in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 2, 2019. A shortage of spare parts in the F-35 supply chain has reduced the jet?s mission readiness, a government watchdog has found. Sarah Myers/U.S. Navy<br>Sarah Myers/U.S. Navy
An F-35B Lightning II aircraft prepares to land behind another F-35B on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp during operations in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 2, 2019. A shortage of spare parts in the F-35 supply chain has reduced the jet?s mission readiness, a government watchdog has found. Sarah Myers/U.S. Navy<br>Sarah Myers/U.S. Navy

Poor supply chain is keeping F-35s grounded, government watchdog says

Beyond supply and repair problems, the GAO report found that while spending billions of dollars on F-35 spare parts, the Defense Department does not have records for all its purchases, know where parts are located or how much the military services paid for them.