7 RAF Mildenhall News

USAFE integrates with Arctic fighters during exercise Baltic Operations

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Exercise Baltic Operations 2022, referred to as BALTOPS, is U.S. European Command’s premier maritime-focused annual exercise in the Baltic Region taking place from June 5-17, 2022.

SOURCE: www.mildenhall.af.mil // BY: U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

The exercise provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. This is the 51st iteration of the exercise series that began in 1972.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa provides aerial support in various capacities throughout the exercise, which included aerial refueling capabilities during Thursday’s mission. U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling platforms from Royal Air Force Mildenhall’s 100th Air Refueling Wing provided tanker support to Finnish F-18 Hornets, Swedish JAS-39 Gripens, German Eurofighter Typhoons, and U.S. Navy F/A18 Hornets.

The KC-135’s unique capability to refuel both probe and drogue aircraft allows the U.S. to integrate with a variety of coalition partners. The aerial refueling function extends the range and reach of aircraft, giving them the opportunity to fly longer, faster, and further to meet mission and training objectives.

USAFE-AFAFRICA aircraft routinely operate in the Baltic Sea region to assure NATO Allies and partners of our shared commitment to regional peace and security.

ABOVE:A German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon attaches to the Multi-Point Refueling System of a KC-135 Stratotanker

100th Operations Group changes command

The 100th Operations Group changed command as Col. Thomas Hutton took over the reins from Col. Van Thai at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, June 16, 2022. Hutton joins the 100th ARW from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Thai is now at Yakota Air Base, Japan.

From bi-planes to B-17 bomber, 100th BG veteran, ‘Wolff Pack’ pilot, shares memories of WWII

The 100th Operations Group changed command as Col. Thomas Hutton took over the reins from Col. Van Thai at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, June 16, 2022. Hutton joins the 100th ARW from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Thai is now at Yakota Air Base, Japan.

447th Bomb Group family, friends, visit Thorpe Abbotts as part of 'Return to Rattlesden' event

THORPE ABBOTTS, NORFOLK, England -- Family, friends and others honoring the 447th Bomb Group (Rattlesden) visited the Suffolk airfield as part of their “Return to Rattlesden” event June 11 to 13, 2022. They also visited the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum at Thorpe Abbotts as part of the event. Both bomb groups were part of Eighth Air Force and home to B-17 Flying Fortresses during World War II. Although no veterans were able to make the journey to England for the event, the 447th BG representatives – some from the States – came to honor and remember veterans past and present.

Read more at www.mildenhall.af.mil/News