Mildenhall Airmen showcase Air Force in Russia

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
ZHUKOVSKY, Russia (AFPN) --  American pilots, aircrew and maintainers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, are on display Aug. 21 to 26 at the Moscow International Air Show in Russia. 

RAF Mildenhall Airmen have just one of a number of U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in the international event, one of the premier events of its kind in the world with aircraft from all over the world are on display. 

American static displays include an F-15 Eagle from RAF Lakenheath, England, two F-16 Fighting Falcons from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, a C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wash.; and a B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale AFB, La. An F-15 demonstration team from Eglin AFB, Fla., is also performing.

An RAF Mildenhall KC-135 Stratotanker arrived at the airfield Aug. 17, refueling F-15s and F-16s along the way. 

The Moscow International Air Show helps foster good relations between the U.S. Air Force and Russian Federation air forces, and is expected to attract a crowd of more than 500,000 people. Trade show days are Aug. 21 to 23, and the show opens to the general public Aug. 23 to 26.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Jones, a RAF Mildenhall 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics specialist, is on hand to help fix any maintenance problems that may occur either while the aircraft is in Russia, or on its way home. 

"For specialists, this trip is really, really hard to get," said Sergeant Jones, a native of Apple Valley, Calif. "I've been (at RAF Mildenhall) for six years, and this is the first time I've got to come to Russia." 

"I've never been to Russia. It's very different," he said. "I've found a lot of places I've been, especially when traveling in Europe, have a lot of similarities. Russia is definitely (unique) and all to its own. Air shows in general are a good idea, as they improve relations between our countries, and any new countries we visit."   

"So far, it's worked out very nicely and we've had very few problems," said Col. J.D. Clifton, the 100th Operations Group commander and pilot for the KC-135 journey to Russia. "It's been very-well planned and thought out." 

He said he thinks it a good idea for the U.S. Air Force to participate in air shows such as this. 

"It's good for relationships and helps with interaction," he said. "We get to know them a little, and they get to know us. I've been surprised that a lot of people here speak English. I didn't expect that." 

The colonel said there are interpreters on hand to help everyone understand each other.

"It's also been interesting talking to the interpreters themselves, finding out what it's like living in Russia," Colonel Clifton said. "One interpreter told me that the U.S. Air Force is a big draw here. People love to come and see these planes, and it's good for us to be here with other Air Force planes, as it provides variety to the audience." 

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