Force Development Squadron visit to the Professional Development Centre at RAF Mildenhall on 29 June 2007

On the 29th June 2007 18 junior ranks of varying trades were invited to visit the Professional Training Centre (PDC) at RAF Mildenhall. TSgt Purdy and MSgt Becker, of the United States Airforce Europe (USAFE), who provide training to the Airmen at PDC, hosted the visit. The visit was in conjunction with RAF Marham’s Force Development Mission, and specifically to familiarise RAF Marham personnel with the role of USAFE and develop a closer working relationship between the two development centres. RAF Marham had previously hosted PDC personnel, and as they had benefited from the visit so much they then reciprocated the invitation.

The day began with a lecture from Mr John Williamson, the Station Historian, in the 100th Air Refuelling Wing (ARW) conference room. This gave us an insight into the origins of RAF Mildenhall from it’s beginnings in the 1930’s, the history of the 100th Bombardment Group (later 100th ARW), and their eventual relocation to RAF Mildenhall on 01 February 1992 until the present day.

RAF Mildenhall’s Station Mission is to provide air-to-air refuelling, special operations, air mobility, reconnaissance and intelligence. The unit we visited, the 100th ARW, specifically provides the aerial refuelling aspect via it’s asset the KC-135 Stratotanker. Its capacity of 90,000kg of fuel means it is very effective in providing effective support to the US Airforce, US Navy, US Marine Corps and all other Allied and more importantly RAF aircraft. It provides this support mainly through Europe, but also supports operations throughout the world.

Mildenhall have 1 of 14 flight simulators in the world for the KC-135, and this provides all continuation training and assessment for pilots. All of us were given an opportunity within the simulator to take off and land an aircraft, and it has to be said that it was extremely very realistic. Some of the group obviously missed their calling in life and should have applied for flying duties! Capt Davies, a KC-135 pilot, lectured us through the technical aspects of the aircraft and SSgt Perry the refuelling boom operator took us through the interior of the aircraft and the refuelling procedures. It was then that we realised that the simulator was identical in every aspect and well worth the $20 million price tag.

Further visits around the airfield ensued, with visits to the Flight Operations Centre and the Air Traffic Control Tower, which gave us a clearer and better understanding of how USAFE works within the United Kingdom. It also gave us a valuable insight into their ability to provide and project Air Support to Europe and to Allied Military Forces throughout the world from their base in the Suffolk countryside.

We were next invited to a base promotion ceremony, which ‘Team Mildenhall’ put on each month. The ceremony is held in the ‘Enlisted Club, and is a unique USAF tradition and one not generally carried out in the RAF. The ceremony was attended by all ranks from Airman First Class to full Colonel who represented the Squadrons and Wings from which those personnel being promoted were a part of, the Base Commanding Officer was also present. It was an experience to see the pride felt from the colleagues of those being promoted and for their role in serving their country. The patriotism and spirit felt within the room was something to be admired and perhaps a lesson we would all take away with us to hopefully portray next time one of our work colleagues gets promoted.
The day ended with a barbeque for all visitors in attendance, giving us an opportunity to reflect on the day, relax and ask any questions we may have had for the hosts.

All those attending the visit enjoyed the experience of visiting a US Airforce base and getting an insight into how and what our American counterparts do in the United Kingdom. We would all like to thank MSgt Becker and TSgt Purdy of PDC Mildenhall for their hospitality, and also to FS Lawlor of the FDS at Marham for organising such an enjoyable and beneficial visit.

Further plans have been made for similar visits and those with an interest should take the opportunity to learn about the American version of Airforce life and put their names forward as a representative of Marham and the Royal Air Force.

Cpl Ant Sharp, Regional Medical Centre

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