U.S. supports Canadian post in Germany Published Sept. 3, 2010 By Senior Airman Clay Murray 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- American Airmen aren't the only North Americans stationed here executing missions that support NATO partners downrange. Bordering the outskirts of the base nearly at the edge of the 52nd Fighter Wing and 726th Air Mobility Squadron's flightline, four Canadian military and two civilians serve as liaisons at the center of U.S., NATO, German and Afghanistan forces. Lt. Col. Damian Boyle, Canadian material support group detachment Spangdahlem commander, has been at the detachment since its conception April 20, 2009, and he plans to stay until the trial period of three years is complete, he said. "In December I got a full staff - three other military - and then in June two civilians," Colonel Boyle said. "We are here at Spangdahlem at the invitation of USAFE and the German government, and it's a trial. We're only here until 2012 to determine whether or not it's a feasible solution to global sustainment requirements." During the first half of the year, the detachment oversaw traffic of more than five and a half million pounds of freight, 341 sea containers and 43 vehicles to Afghanistan on 65 different flights. Supplies for the forces downrange are flown on C-17 Globemasters, AN-124 Ruslans and Ilyushin IL-76s. Capt. Deanna Phillips, 726th Air Mobility Squadron director of operations, works with members of the Canadian detachment. Coordination of frequent air traffic must be carefully scrutinized by all involved, she said. "The 726th AMS and the Canadian detachment have a great working relationship," Captain Phillips said. "We continually interact, providing support in both directions. We provide the space they need within our squadron to conduct their operations and also collaborate on issues concerning C-17s. Together we are coalition partners who rely on one another when operations are busy for solutions to manage the heavy workflow in and out of Spangdahlem AB." From the first day the detachment was set up and until it is no longer staffed, personnel working for the Canadian government here will focus on supporting the war efforts of Canada in Afghanistan, Colonel Boyle said. "The role of what we're doing here is facilitating our movements around the world and optimizing cargo movement on those planes," Colonel Boyle explained. "We don't have a base in Europe as the U.S. does, so we're trying to reestablish a point in Europe to move cargo. Doing it this way cuts the cost of renting an aircraft in half...not in terms of US dollars, but in terms of Canadian dollars." Colonel Boyle, who has spent time in Afghanistan, said the stop-off point in Spangdahlem is vital to Canada's support of the war in Afghanistan. It has its place in the fight, he said. "What we do here is extremely important for the fight in Afghanistan," Colonel Boyle said. "I spent seven months on the ground in a Kandahar construction team, so I know what it feels like from their perspective to get support. Everything we do here is based on getting the material to them as soon as possible. "Obviously fighting the fight is the first priority for us," he added. "Everything flying through Spangdahlem and coming through us supports the Afghanistan mission. We find our presence here is of great value to the overall mission in Afghanistan. It's a very important role in connection with the massive support of the United States." Much like the combined efforts that tackle missions downrange, Colonel Boyle said his team couldn't carry out their mission here without external support. "We get a lot of help from USAFE and the wing, and we appreciate that. We also get a lot of help from the 726th AMS," he said. "The support from the U.S. has been terrific, and we're very grateful that we can work together. The wing has really bent over backward to try and help. We know there's a full-time mission here, but we're very grateful for the support from the commander and everyone." "It is an honor for us to work hand-in-hand with our coalition partners. The relationship is outstanding and will continue to mature," Captain Phillips said.