Photo By Tech. Sgt. Warren Spearman | U.S. Air Force Col. Amy Glisson, is interviewed by FOX News reporter Jennifer Griffin...... read more read more
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SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Operation Allies Refuge is a huge event that received media coverage from news outlets all over the world.
As the Air Force’s largest mobility hub, Ramstein Air Base is very busy under normal operating conditions, but as a result of the deteriorating security in Afghanistan, the base experienced an unprecedented level of activity.
The base became a temporary home to more than 11,000 Afghan evacuees that were awaiting final transportation to the United States.
The operation quickly became a worldwide media event, which brought together public affairs professionals from all across the Air Force to help. Some came from as far as Utah, and others right down the road from places like Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
The Operation Allies Refuge Public Affairs team at Ramstein was divided into two sections: media operations and production.
Over the course of the first week of the operation, the media operations center or MOC, handled six press conferences, conducted 38 media visits with 164 reporters, oversaw 115 interviews and processed 156 media queries.
“My time supporting the Operation Allies Refuge media operations center was a valuable application of external public affairs tactics,” said Capt. Kevyn Kaler, 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Chief. “I was quickly handed a Wall Street Journal embed request, and leaned on all available resources to me.”
As the MOC worked with national and international media, the production side documented the monumental and historic mission.
“It was very fast paced, and required a ton of coordination,” said Airman Edgar Grimaldo, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Specialist. “I learned how to work efficiently because everyday we would be tasked with more and more assignments, so I learned when to stop shooting and when to upload photos.”
The production side, which featured as many as 30 Airmen documenting over the course of the mission, has produced over 700 products chronicling the Ramstein portion of the mission.
OAR was a valuable learning experience for both Kaler and Grimaldo.
“Working with experienced NCOs and seasoned civilians was key to the success,” said Kaler. “And my development as a young PA officer.”
“I learned the importance of teamwork,” said Amn Grimaldo.
| Date Taken: | 09.04.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2021 04:46 |
| Story ID: | 407291 |
| Location: | DE |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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