RAF Mildenhall KC-135 crew strengthens relationship with Romanian air force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brandon Esau
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Airmen with the 351st Air Refueling Squadron and the 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron participated in air refueling training alongside members of the Romanian air force in Bucharest, Romania, March 11-15.


The KC-135 Stratotanker crew refueled Romanian air force F-16 Fighting Falcons over the week, which focused on interoperability with their Romanian counterparts and enhanced the operational readiness of both nations.


“The training this week exceeded our expectations,” said Senior Airman Corey Marion, 351st ARS boom operator. “With such a vast number of alliances we have in this theatre, it’s crucial to show our continued commitment to our allies and secure the skies of Europe and Africa.”


On March 12, Romanian air force and civilian members took a tour of the jet to speak with the crew about refueling missions and joined the 351st ARS for a refueling mission of their home nation’s F-16s.


“The U.S. Air Force has always been a great partner of ours,” said Romanian warrant officer Pantilimon Bogdan. “Today was just another example of both sides continuing to strengthen our ability to work together in this part of the world.”


Capt. Logan Dean, 351st ARS pilot, agreed.


“With the different capabilities of each NATO member, missions like ones we undertook are vital to peace in this theater,” Dean expressed. “It is important for all of our allies to know how vital they are to us, and how vital the mission at RAF Mildenhall is to them.”