Location
Welcome to Ramstein AB and the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC). Ramstein AB is located in Germany, in the Rheinland Pfalz region near the city of Kaiserslautern. Germany is a member of the European Union, situated right in the heart of Europe. Germany has nine neighboring countries that are all within driving distance: Denmark to the north, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg and France to the west, Switzerland and Austria to the south, and the Czech Republic and Poland to the east. Germany boasts a variety of landscapes. The Alps lie in the south, and dry sandy lowlands in the north. Rivers and lakes are scattered throughout the entire country.
History
On January 15, 2004, the redesignated 435th Air Base Wing activated as Ramstein’s new host wing. And the wing’s commander also assumed Kaiserslautern Military Community Commander responsibilities, however, subsequent organizational changes, in 2005, resulted in the 86th Airlift Wing becoming the host wing again and its commander reassuming the KMC Commander position. He subsequently appointed the 435th Air Base Wing Commander as the acting Installation Commander and as the Deputy Community Commander for the Kaiserslautern Military Community. For more history visit Ramstein’s homepage.
Mission
The 86th Airlift Wing is the host wing at Ramstein. The wing is trained, ready, and postured to respond with “world-class” airlift and expeditionary combat support, while providing full spectrum airfield operations, superior base services, and exceptional quality of life for the entire Kaiserslautern Military Community and our assigned GSUs — anytime, anywhere!
Population Served
“K-Town”, as some call it, is known for being the largest American community in Europe. Over 53,000 Americans share this community with inhabitants from over 70 nations. The city’s historical past has been preserved even though it has grown to become one of the largest industrial and marketing cities in Germany.
Ramstein, Kapaun and Vogelweh are predominately Air Force communities, which share their services with the other military members of the KMC. Pulaski Barracks, Kleber, Panzer, Daenner, Miesau, Pirmasens, Rhein Ordnance Barracks, Sembach and Landstuhl, and the Army’s Regional Medical Community, all make up this great community.
Sponsorship
If you do not have a sponsor, please contact your losing or gaining unit commander’s support staff first and ask for assistance. If this does not work, have your unit commander’s support staff contact the losing Military Personnel Flight Outbound Assignments section for assistance. For up-to-date information on “Getting Here”, “Living Here” and “Leaving Here”, visit the Ramstein AB Portal website “Getting/Living/Leaving here” link located on the Ramstein AB Wing homepage. The homepage can assist with such topics as arrival information and how to handle mail concerns.
Temporary Quarters
Most newcomers will spend their first night with the Ramstein billeting and lodging service or in the dorm hospitality rooms. Your sponsor most likely has made arrangements for you. If you would like to check on your reservation, please contact the Ramstein Billeting Office, 011-49-6371-47-4920 or the Ramstein Dorm Reception Center, 011-49-6371-47-3676 or DSN 314-480-3676. Please keep in mind that pets are not allowed in billeting unless you’re residing in the pet-friendly TLF.
Relocation Assistance
The Ramstein Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am until 4:30 pm. A&FRC can assist newcomers with relocation, employment, and financial information or assistance. The A&FRC can be reached at DSN 314-480-5100 or 011-49-6371-47-5100.
There is an Orientation to Germany course offered by the Ramstein Airman and Family Readiness Center for all DoD ID card personnel which focuses on paying German bills and German customs and courtesies. The Base Newcomers’ Orientation is a mandatory formation for military members and encouraged for all other newcomers, including spouses. The A&FRC also hosts a bus tour in the local area, the day after the newcomers orientation.
Spouses and family members are also encouraged to participate in this tour. The tour is free except for the pay-as-you-go lunch.
Loan Locker — The Ramstein Family Resource Center (FRC) offers: Household items, small appliances, cookware, eating utensils and futons for loan up to 60 days. Various baby items and a wide assortment of mail order catalogues are also available for check out. Members will need to bring a copy of their orders to check out household good items.
Critical Installation Information
The official currency in Germany is the Euro. It is suggested you have Euros or a credit card on hand when you PCS. The most frequent issues can be solved if the following items are hand carried.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
Installation Specific Information
A tour in Germany, especially in the Kaiserslautern area, is a truly wonderful experience any way you look at it. Getting a good start depends on the preparation you do before you depart your old base and on how much you take advantage of the settling-in services provided one you arrive in Germany.
Save money at the Commissary by using the Discount Coupon Center (coupons are valid at the Commissary up to 6 months PAST the expiration date). Newcomers and PCSers can take advantage of the Bulletin Board to advertise items for sale.
Commander’s Support Staff (CSS) personnel can pick up items to include in Sponsor or Newcomer packages. Requests for 10 packages or more must be reserved in advance. Please note: The FSC does not collate materials, provide folders, or envelopes for Sponsor packages.
Information and Referral has developed a community database full of resources available in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, both on and off military installations. The data base is continuously updated with new resources. Activities and class information are advertised through flyers, the Kaiserslautern American Newspaper, AFN radio and TV, along with the Ramstein Community Calendar. You can also visit the Ramstein homepage for information.
Ramstein AB
Kisling Memorial Drive
Ramstein, Germany 66877
Phone 011-49-6371-47-5100 / 011-49-6371-47-5900
Phone (DSN) 314-480-5100/5900
Fax 011-49-6371-47-9770
Fax (DSN) 314-480-9770