RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- In the largest movement of personnel in the 184th Intelligence Support Squadron’s history, 40 members of the Kansas Air National Guard packed their bags, laptops, and determination and headed to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, August 4 – 15, 2025. The trip combined mission impact with a touch of European adventure.
The trip was more than just an overseas rotation. For the 184th ISS, the temporary duty assignment (TDY) was a chance to showcase their expertise on a global stage, strengthen partnerships with active-duty counterparts, and leave a lasting footprint of progress with the 693rd Intelligence Support Squadron.
“This TDY exceeded all prior missions in both size and scope of impact,” said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Perkins, cyberspace operations superintendent, 184th ISS.
Past training trips have typically moved around 25 personnel. This time, however, the squadron coordinated flights, orders, and lodging for 37 Air National Guardsman, plus three Airmen from other units. The logistical challenge was massive, but the payoff was even bigger.
By the end of the trip, the team cleared a backlog of evaluations, re-imaged weapons system workstations, prepared for major workstation replacements, and knocked out lingering trouble tickets. In short: the Kansas Air National Guard showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and made life easier for their active-duty teammates.
The hardest part wasn’t the work—it was simply getting 40 Airmen halfway across the world and slotted into the right shops.
“Booking flights and rental cars for that many people, while trying to match skill sets to mission needs, was no small task,” Perkins said. “We had to make sure we were a help, not a distraction.”
Despite the hurdles, the squadron worked together to push through Defense Travel System authorizations, orders requests, and constant back-and-forth with Germany to make the mission happen. The end result, a smooth operation and a tighter, more cohesive unit.
While in Germany, the team linked up with Distributed Ground System-4, where many of their active-duty counterparts were relatively new to their positions. Due to frequent personnel rotations, much of the workforce hadn’t yet had the opportunity for deep, hands-on experience with the weapons system.
That’s where the Kansas Airmen were able to help.
“Our team was able to leverage our long experience in our positions to provide them invaluable training and support they had never really had in their time there,” Perkins explained.
The Citizen-Airmen also brought in lessons learned from the civilian sector. Some Air Guard members introduced methods for combating emerging cyber threats outside of traditional military environments—knowledge that proved both timely and practical.
Senior Master Sgt. Ghyhitie Taylor, cyberspace superintendent, 184th ISS highlighted the spirit of teamwork, “Our collaboration was highly effective. We shared shortcuts and efficient training methods based on our experience, which they found helpful in streamlining their processes.”
By the end of the TDY, Perkins felt that the reputation of the Kansas Air National Guard had grown significantly.
“At the out-brief, the 693rd ISS senior enlisted leader stated that while Guard and Reserve teams have a variable reputation, she was particularly impressed with our team,” Perkins said. “She felt like our contributions were huge and that they’d love to have us back.”
That impression was confirmed a week later, when the 184th ISS received a message from the 693rd ISS asking when they could send a few more Airmen back to continue the work.
Beyond the immediate impact, the trip also opened doors for future collaboration. Taylor noted that the squadron built connections with “numerous knowledgeable members who can be valuable resources for future projects.”
Of course, no TDY is complete without a little fun after the duty day is done.
Airmen explored Germany’s historic sites, with many visiting the castle in Heidelberg. Others took advantage of Europe’s close borders, traveling to France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland during their downtime.
And then there was Big Emma’s, a local restaurant near the base that became a running joke among the team thanks to its legendary portion sizes.
“Everyone joked about the huge plates,” Perkins said.
Taylor added that the scenery itself was a highlight, “The country was beautiful, particularly the scenery with the tree-covered mountains.”
For many, the TDY wasn’t just about the mission or sightseeing. It was also a chance to grow personally and professionally.
“I was able to hone my leadership skills by managing and directing team efforts across diverse operational areas,” Perkins said. “I learned to tailor my communication style to effectively convey goals and expectations to team members with varying experience levels.”
Other Airmen strengthened technical skills, broadened perspectives, and gained an appreciation for the balance between Air Guard and active-duty Air Force contributions in the broader intelligence mission.
The 184th ISS didn’t just go to Germany to check a box—they left behind real change, stronger relationships, and a sense of pride in what they accomplished together.
“Despite these difficulties, we successfully navigated these hurdles, resulting in a successful TDY and a more cohesive partnership.” Perkins said.