AFA Joins Forces with German Air Force Association 

Arlington, Va. — The Air & Space Forces Association and the German Air Force Association (Interessengemeinschaft Deutsche Luftwaffe e.V.) signed a formal memorandum of understanding to work together to amplify awareness about allied air power and the important roles each organization plays in advancing dialog about the security of their respective countries. 

AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), and German IDLW President Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Klaus Habersetzer signed the MOU at a May 13 ceremony at AFA’s Operations Center in Arlington, Va. 

“The Air & Space Forces Association has partnerships with a number of international Air Force associations, and we’re honored to add our friends at the German Air Force Association to that list,” Field said. “This is a big day for us, for sure. The memorandum of understanding symbolizes our collective commitment and promises to use the pillars of education, advocacy, and support for mutual benefit.” 

Distinguished guests at the signing included Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies; German Col. (Ret.) Manfred Jäger, managing director of the German Air Force Association; Col. Alexander Brand, German Air Attache; and USAF Col. Rolandis Crawl, division chief, Air Force Foreign Liaison Office. 

Founded in October 2010, the German Air Force Association seeks to ensure security and peace through an efficient and operational air force. The association has offices in Berlin and Cologne. 

“It’s an important day for us. It’s great to be here again,” Habersetzer said. “We are members, for many years, in the European Partnership for Air Force Associations, but it was a big surprise for us that we had no contact with our U.S. friends. Exactly one year ago we met here in this building, and we had the chance to accompany our Air Chief and a bunch of journalists flying to the U.S. to promote the Air Defender 23 exercise. We had great talks, and after a couple of minutes it became obvious that we should establish a formalized corporation. People have been working on this for the last 12 months and now the day has come, and I’m really thankful and looking forward to it.” 

About AFA 

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for investment and support for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, and for supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 113,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air and Space Forces.