BITBURG DROP ZONE, Germany -- Over the horizon in an opening between the clouds of a misty blue sky over an old U.S. Air Force airfield appeared several C-130J Super Hercules airplanes and U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters on a mission to rain Soldiers from the sky.
The parachutists from the U.S. and six other countries, along with support personnel drawn from all participating services, assembled July 25-29 for International Jump Week, an annual event conducted to build partnerships through airborne operations.
Over 150 American, British, German, French, Israeli, Dutch, and Kosovan paratroopers participated in the five-day airborne exercise.
"This was my first time being in a helicopter and it was amazing," said Maj. Isaac Perez, deputy commander of the Airborne Israel Defense Force. "We gained knowledge from being exposed to how other nations perform there airborne procedures. I look forward to coming back next time. The week has been unforgettable for us."
The operation, coordinated by the U.S. Air Force 435th Contingency Response Group with support from 16th Sustainment Brigade's 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company, aims to foster relationships with allied and partner nations.
The quartermaster company assisted with jumpmaster duties, contributed jump participants and conducted rigger checks.
"Soldiers gain memorable experiences with multiple cultures during events like this that provide invaluable knowledge," said Sgt. 1st Class Ian Dimmick, the air operations NCOIC assigned to the 5th QM TADC. "This is an annual event that I can say was a privilege to be a part of. Participants developed bonds and friendships."
The jumpers dropped highly positive feedback about their week-long experience.
"To bring different nations together to perform airborne operations has been a phenomenal experience," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ritchie Brown, a contingency response team leader assigned to the 435th Security Forces at Ramstein Air Base.
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