406th Air Expeditionary Wing
The 406th Air Expeditionary Wing (406 AEW) is a provisional air expeditionary unit assigned to the United States Air Force's Third Air Force, stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Its components conduct tactical airlift, personnel recovery, casualty evacuation, and attack missions in support of United States Africa Command.
| 406th Air Expeditionary Wing | |
|---|---|
A pararescueman from the wing's 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron drags a litter during an exercise in Djibouti, 2023 | |
| Active | 1952–1958; 1972–1992; 2011–2011; 2023–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Air Expeditionary |
| Part of | United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
|
| Garrison/HQ | Ramstein Air Base, Germany |
| Motto(s) | Ascende et Defende (Latin: "Rise and Defend") |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (6x) |
| Insignia | |
| 406th Air Expeditionary Wing emblem | |
The wing was first activated as a fighter-bomber unit during the early Cold War in 1952 and was stationed in the United Kingdom for six years until its inactivation in 1958. From 1972 to 1992, the wing served as a training unit while stationed in Spain.
In 2001, the wing was assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe as a provisional unit.
The unit was most recently activated on 9 June 2023, assuming control of the units of the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing.