Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft arrive at RAF Fairford, England, Sept. 12, 2025. The arrival of the bombers and members of the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., highlighted the 501st Combat Support Wing’s ability to support Cobra Warrior 25.2 operations. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech. Sgt. Jessica Avallone)
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Barbato, 420th Air Base Group logistics readiness flight chief, checks documents in front of a C-5M Super Galaxy at RAF Fairford, England, Sept. 10, 2025. Barbato helped coordinate the main body arrival procedures in preparation of Cobra Warrior 25.2. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adam Enbal)
At RAF Fairford, where operations shift quickly from quiet skies to the roar of bomber task forces and NATO exercises, a small logistics team ensures every mission has what it needs to succeed.
For Master Sergeant Michael Barbato, Superintendent of the Logistics Readiness Flight, and Technical Sergeant Adam Michaels, Logistics Planner, both assigned to the 420th Air Base Squadron, every operation begins long before aircraft arrive.
“We’re responsible for ensuring smooth operations from start to finish,” Barbato said. “From providing vehicles and fuel to receiving munitions and aircraft ground equipment for the unit, everything is mapped out through detailed coordination with internal and external units.”
The Logistics...
At RAF Fairford, where operations shift quickly from quiet skies to the roar of bomber task forces and NATO exercises, a small logistics team ensures every mission has what it needs to succeed.
