Ukrainian Verification Agency inspects Spangdahlem

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- A group of Ukrainian inspectors visited Spangdahlem Air Base Dec. 5, 2013, in order to determine compliance with the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty.

While here, the Ukrainians had the option to look at various authorized facilities across the base to verify that the base did not exceed the maximum amount of war-fighting equipment.

"The treaty was implemented to prevent a stockpile of weapons or armed forces in Europe, which occurred in WWII or the Cold War," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Evan Olson, International Arms Control inspector interpreter.

The treaty allows countries from the former Soviet Union and NATO to inspect each other's bases and get a count of equipment, such as tanks and aircraft. The CFE also limits the amount of Armed Forces service members, depending on location.

"We are here under the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe escorting the Ukrainians inspection team of Spangdahlem in the spirit of transparency and openness as well as under the obligations of the treaty," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey Donhauser.

This is important because the treaty allows the opportunity for participating countries to police each other and maintain a limited number of personnel and equipment, according to Olson. The United States will continue to inspect and be inspected by NATO countries and former states and satellites of the Soviet Union as outlined by the treaty document.

"I am very pleased to see that the wing was ready under such a short notice," said Donhauser.

This is the 23rd year that the treaty has taken place since it was signed in 1990.