U.S. Air Force Col. Michael J. Jewell, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Melissa M. Robbins, 501st CSW command chief, send holiday greetings to the Pathfinder community at RAF Fairford, England, Dec. 12, 2025. The message thanks Airmen, civilians, and families for their dedication throughout the year and wishes the community a safe and happy holiday season. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech. Sgt. Jessica Avallone)
Wreaths rest at the base of the Lancaster crew’s permanent memorial after a memorial service at RAF Welford, England, Mar. 31, 2026. Annually on the anniversary of the Nuremberg Raid, a joint wreath laying ceremony takes place, memorializing the multinational 101st Squadron crew that perished during a crash at RAF Welford while returning from Germany on March 31, 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jessica Avallone)
STAVANGER, Norway — Behind every U.S. military movement across Northern Europe is a legal framework that lays the groundwork for operations.
The 426th Air Base Squadron legal office provides direct support to negotiations that shape operations across 47 agreed operating locations in the region. Their work helps establish clear guidelines ahead of time, clearing the path for forces to focus on the mission once they arrive.
Maj. Collin S. Allan, 426th Air Base Squadron deputy squadron commander and staff judge advocate, and Hans Kind, 426th ABS host nation advisor, support agreements between the United States and Nordic allies.
These agreements act as a blueprint, outlining how U.S. forces enter countries, operate within local laws and...