Rhien Main AFB

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About Rhien Main AFB

Rhein-Main Air Base, located near Frankfurt, Germany, was established by the United States Air Force in 1945 on the site of a former German Luftwaffe base. It quickly became a crucial logistical hub during the Berlin Airlift (1948–1949), supporting relentless air operations to supply West Berlin during the Soviet blockade. Throughout the Cold War, Rhein-Main served as the “Gateway to Europe,” providing strategic airlift, transport, and refueling missions for U.S. and NATO forces. The base played a vital role in operations such as Desert Storm and humanitarian missions before its closure and return to German authorities in 2005.

Unit Members

Richard Richter

U.S. Air Force

Rhien Main AFBView Profile

Jules Savony

U.S. Air Force

Rhien Main AFBView Profile

Photos

Osan Korea Electronic Warfare Technician

51 Component Repair Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1979

Boeing 767 Captain

U.S. Air Force • 2017

Towing Gliders

U.S. Air Force • 2000

C-141 Flight Engineer Graduation

708 Military Airlift Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1982

About Rhien Main AFB

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Strategic Location: Rhein-Main Air Base (AFB) was located near Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and served as a crucial gateway for American military operations in Europe from 1945 to 2005. • Berlin Airlift Hub: During the Berlin Airlift (1948-1949), Rhein-Main AFB was a primary departure point for aircraft delivering essential supplies to West Berlin, earning the nickname “Gateway to Europe.” • World War II Origins: The base was originally a Luftwaffe airfield during World War II before being taken over by U.S. forces at the war’s end. • VIP Traffic: The base hosted numerous U.S. presidents and dignitaries, including John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, as they traveled to and from Europe. • Cold War Role: Throughout the Cold War, Rhein-Main AFB was a vital logistics and airlift hub supporting NATO and U.S. operations across Europe and beyond. • Host of the C-5 Galaxy: It was home to heavy-lift aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III, enabling rapid deployment and supply missions worldwide. • Operation Desert Storm: During the 1991 Gulf War, the base played a key role in transporting thousands of troops and tons of cargo to the Middle East. • Special Operations: The 7th Special Operations Squadron was based at Rhein-Main, conducting clandestine and humanitarian missions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. • Humanitarian Missions: The base supported several humanitarian operations, including the evacuation of American citizens from crisis zones and medical relief flights. • Closure and Legacy: Rhein-Main AFB officially closed in 2005, and much of the site was incorporated into Frankfurt Airport, but its legacy remains a significant part of U.S. Air Force and NATO history in Europe.