Rhein-Main Air Base – The New “Gateway to Europe”
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr.

Ramstein, April 5, 2007.
As prepared for delivery.


Deputy Minister President  Bruch,
Finance Minister Prof. Dr. Deubel,
State Minister Hoff, 
General Hobbins,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

In October 2005, Sue and I attended the official closing ceremony of Rhein-Main Air Base.  I said then that the closing was not an end but a new beginning. 

Rhein-Main Air Base had a proud history.  The Berlin Airlift and countless other operations in the cause of freedom were carried out there, but the torch has been passed. 

Today Ramstein is the new “Gateway to Europe.”  By centralizing activities in Ramstein, the United States Air Force upgraded the command's airlift support capability.  The transition was part of a larger strategy to strengthen and prepare NATO - our most important transatlantic bridge - for new challenges to protect freedom inside and outside of Europe.  

Last summer Ramstein played a key role in a massive, multinational effort to evacuate civilians from war-torn Lebanon.  Food, lodging, medical support, and a host of consular, translation, and other services were quickly put into place for 2,000 U.S. citizens and documented foreign nationals.  Ramstein could not have supported this benchmark mission without the massive infrastructure improvements afforded under the Rhein-Main Transition Program and the support of the government of Rheinland-Pfalz.  It was a model for future evacuation operations.   

Almost every day, U.S., NATO and coalition troops transit Ramstein for life-saving treatment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre.  My wife Sue is a volunteer at Landstuhl and she tells me about the good work that is being done there.  In her visits to the area, she has come to experience first-hand the commitment of local and state governments to U.S. Forces stationed here.   She has also experienced first-hand the meaning of German-American friendship.

It is an honor for both Sue and me to attend this ceremony.  It is symbolic of the strong support provided by the government of Rheinland-Pfalz and the German national government.  On behalf of my government and all Americans, I would like to extend my thanks to the government and the people of the State of Rheinland-Pfalz for a friendship that goes back decades. 

The American people have a unique relationship with the German people, particularly of this state.  That relationship has been fostered over many years of association through our military presence, through our business presence, and through the personal presence of the millions of Americans who have  served and lived here since the end of World War II.   It is truly a unique relationship and one of the greatest success stories in modern history.  

The new beginning that we celebrate today is part of that success story but we cannot afford to rest on past achievements.  This upgrade and transition of our military cooperation have tremendous symbolism for me.  The military secures the peace so that people can have a better life.  We must continue to do all that we can to address the challenges and opportunities of the future.  Together we can achieve our ultimate goal of a democratic, peaceful and prosperous world for all.