RAF Mildenhall opens doors to local leaders

Photo By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cooper | U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Amrhein, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, poses for a picture with local civic leaders at RAF Mildenhall, England, March 20, 2019. The local guests were able fly on a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Statotanker and observe in-flight refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Cooper)  

RAF MILDENHALL, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

03.29.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Cooper 

100th Air Refueling Wing   

RAF Mildenhall opened its doors to civic leaders and local dignitaries March 20, 2019.
Local civic leaders arrived in the morning and attended briefings which detailed the base mission.They also saw the Bloody Hundredth’s in-flight refueling specialists ply their trade.
“It was a real privilege to accompany a flight on a refueling exercise and to see the extraordinary skills of the crews being so ably demonstrated,” said George Vestey, High Sheriff of Suffolk.
Civic leaders were flown in a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker by U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Amrhein, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander. Additionally, Col. William Marshall, 48th Fighter Wing commander, flew an F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to 494th Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England.
The guests were treated to a rare sight; two wing commanders from different bases taking part in air refueling as Marshall received fuel from the tanker Amrhein was flying.
One of the priorities of the 100th ARW is establishing good communication ties with local leaders. When the hosts understand the necessary steps Airmen take to ensure readiness, it has the potential for fewer issues to arise and those issues can be dealt with more efficiently.
“I very much appreciated the opportunity to join with mayors from across Suffolk in visiting USAFE at RAF Mildenhall in order to gain a greater insight into their strategic role and how they go about fulfilling it,” Vestey said. “A thrilling day to remember, but more importantly a great opportunity to enhance our communication with such an important contributor to our community, and to improve our understanding of the vital role they play.”
Over the course of the day, the leaders learned how important RAF Mildenhall is to the region, both for civilians and military members. Keeping the local civic leaders apprised of what the Bloody Hundredth does is a vital component of the partnership between the 100th ARW and the civic leaders.

• Date Taken: 03.29.2019
• Date Posted: 03.29.2019 10:22
• Story ID: 316155
• Location: RAF MILDENHALL, SFK, GB