Third Air Force
The Third Air Force (Air Forces Europe) (3 AF) is a numbered air force of the United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA). Its headquarters is Ramstein Air Base, Germany. It is responsible for all U.S. air forces in Europe and Africa, and operations and support activities in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command's areas of responsibility. It also has a unique mission as the U.S. military's primary liaison to the British government, which is conducted through the command's 3 AF-UK headquarters at RAF Mildenhall, England.
| Third Air Force (Air Forces Europe) | |
|---|---|
Shield of the Third Air Force | |
| Active | 1 December 2006 – present (as Third Air Force (Air Forces Europe)) 1 May 1951 – 1 November 2005 (as Third Air Force) 26 March 1941 – 1 November 1946 (as Third Air Force) 18 December 1940 – 26 March 1941 (as Southeast Air District) (c. 78 years) |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Air Force (18 September 1947 – present) United States Army ( Army Air Forces, 20 June 1941 – 18 September 1947; Army Air Corps 19 October 1940 – 20 June 1941) |
| Type | Numbered Air Force |
| Role | Provides combat-ready air forces for U.S. European Command and U.S. African Command |
| Part of | United States Air Forces in Europe United States Air Forces Africa U.S. European Command U.S. African Command |
| Headquarters | Ramstein Air Base, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany |
| Motto(s) | Develop - Defend - Deliver |
| Engagements | World War II – American Theater Kosovo War – Air Campaign |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Website | www |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Maj Gen Derek C. France |
| Vice Commander | Col John F. Gonzales |
| Command Chief | CCM Heriberto G. Diaz Jr. |
| Notable commanders | Lewis H. Brereton Roscoe C. Wilson Francis H. Griswold William D. Dunham Frank L. Gailer Jr. |
One of the four original pre–World War II numbered air forces, it was established on 26 March 1941, at Tampa, Florida with a mission of air defense of the Southeastern United States and Gulf Coast regions. During the war, its primary mission became the organization and training of combat units prior to their deployment to the overseas combat air forces. Several airfields are associated with the Third Air Force.