Air Force One touches down at RAF Mildenhall

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

Air Force One, carrying President Donald J. Trump and a contingency of White House officials and media members, arrived at RAF Mildenhall for refueling and logistical support Feb. 26, 2019.

Air Force One, along with a C-32, known as “Air Force Two” and an E-4B National Airborne Operations Center landed en route to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, for the president’s second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

Team Mildenhall provided full spectrum support for the president’s visit with security from the 100th Security Forces Squadron, transportation from the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron, lodging from the 100th Force Support Squadron, lavatory resources from the 727th Air Mobility Squadron, and extra safety measures provided by the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department and the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD flight from RAF Lakenheath. Other units who supported the president's mission included the 100th Communications Squadron, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 512 and many more.

Also, Airmen of the 100th LRS fuels flight and the 48th LRS fuels flight from RAF Lakenheath filled all three aircraft with a combined 67,251 gallons of fuel.

Air Force One received 29,655 gallons in under 26 minutes, the NAOC collected 28,996 gallons and the C-32 gained 8,600 gallons.

“It was an honor to be a part of a combined fuels team who put maximum effort into quickly refueling all three aircraft and getting them back into the air,” said Master Sgt. Stephan Lasher, 100th LRS Fuels Operations section chief. “This was an exciting experience for both myself and my Airmen, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”

With RAF Mildenhall maintaining a constant alert status, Airmen are prepared to provide refueling, maintenance and logistical support for missions such as these at a moment’s notice.

“I’m very proud of the outstanding work and professionalism displayed by both Team Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath Airmen,” said Col. Cassius Bentley, 100th Air Refueling Wing vice commander. “Due to our location and reputation, we were able to provide critical support and ensure the president’s mission didn’t falter.”