Meeting the U.S. Ambassador to Germany

Lt. Col. Craig Bartosh, 701st Airlift Squadron aircraft commander, meets with John B. Emerson, United States Ambassador to Germany, along with his family June 1, 2016, during the 2016 Berlin Air Show. Bartosh, along with the Charleston air crew, gave the ambassador a tour throughout the C-17 Globemaster III entitled, “The Spirit of Berlin.” Emerson was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 1, 2013 as U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany and presented his credentials to German President Joachim Gauck on August 26, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tom Brading)

Meeting the German Ambassador

(Center) John B. Emerson, United States Ambassador to Germany, along with Brig. Gen. “Randy” Huston, mobilization assistant to the vice commander, Third Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and the ambassador’s daughters are welcomed abroad the C-17 Globemaster III entitled “The Spirit of Berlin” June 1, 2016, during the 2016 Berlin Air Show. Emerson was confirmed by the United States Senate on Aug.1, 2013 as U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany and presented his credentials to German President Joachim Gauck on Aug. 26, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tom Brading)

Ambassador Emerson visits C-17 crew in Germany

Published June 7, 2016
By Senior Airman Tom Brading
BERLIN, GERMANY

315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs -- John B. Emerson, United States Ambassador to Germany, came abroad the “Spirit of Berlin” C-17 Globemaster III June 1, 2016, during the opening day of the Berlin Air Show.

At the event, the C-17 was among many other U.S. and European aircraft, and gave the ambassador and his family a chance to see the strength and dedication the U.S. and European militaries have toward safety. In addition, the equipment will be critical to the success of military operations in the future.

“It’s an honor for Charleston to represent the United States and have Emerson and his family onboard the aircraft,” said Lt. Col. Craig Bartosh, 701st Airlift Squadron aircraft commander. “The Berlin Air Show has provided an opportunity to continue building U.S. and European partnership, something the ambassador knows well.”

Prior to being an ambassador, Emerson has played an active role in civic affairs and director of many non-profit organizations in Los Angeles. He was a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy and the Council on Foreign Relations.

“Meeting the Ambassador was a great experience,” said Maj. Rico Persy, Hamburg, Germany native and 437th Airlift Wing C-17 pilot. “The air show has increased the understanding of each other’s capabilities and proficiencies, while enhancing our ability to operate together.”

Persy added, it’s those elements of the air show he’s already been able to implement into his experience as a foreign exchange pilot, as well as be reminded of the role Emerson does for both Germany and the United States.

Emerson was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 1, 2013 as U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany and presented his credentials to German President Joachim Gauck on August 26, 2013.

He and his family arrived in Berlin on August 15, 2013.

Former 701st AS member Brig. Gen. "Randy" Houston, now the , mobilization assistant to the vice commander, Third Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, also came out to see The Spirit of Berlin and his old buddy Bartosh.