Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania - A joint refueling mission between the U.S. Army and the German Air Force took place in March at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania. The mission aimed to enhance interoperability by practicing joint aircraft refueling procedures, marking another step in strengthening cooperation between the two NATO partners.
The operation involved the Echo 4-3 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, working alongside German Air Force ground crews to refuel a German Eurofighter Typhoon from a U.S. Army M978 HEMTT tanker. The mission aimed to enhance joint interoperability and ensure both forces were prepared for future combined air operations by practicing efficient refueling procedures and improving communication between U.S. and German units.
For the refueling Soldiers, the experience was both new and engaging. Sgt. Kendra Brown, petroleum supply specialist, said the mission stood out from her usual duties.
“I’ve never refueled an aircraft like this before. It was a great opportunity to do something different,” said Brown. During the mission, the two countries practiced connecting fuel systems, communicating across units, and completing safety checks under time pressure. Early coordination challenges were quickly resolved as both sides adapted to each other’s procedures.
Unit leadership emphasized the mission's broader purpose. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eric Van Wagenen, Task Force Brawler 4-3 Assault Helicopter Brigade aviation safety officer, said exercises like this go beyond technical training. "We work with the Germans to train jointly. Filling up a fighter jet increases their knowledge and confidence," Van Wagenen said. “You can’t learn this in a classroom; you have to do it. Working with our German partners pushes us to be better."
The German Air Force also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation. In a brief statement at the end of the mission, Lt. Col. Frank, a German flight safety officer, noted the consistency of the partnership. "This came together as we hoped. Every training builds trust and teamwork. The more we do it, the smoother it gets," Frank says.
The successful completion of the refueling mission at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base underscores the deepening partnership between U.S. and German forces. As both militaries look ahead to future joint operations, each exercise continues to build interoperability, trust, and shared readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.