Third Air Force Commander, Command Chief visit RAF Mildenhall Airmen

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

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Wood, Third Air Force commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Cruz Munoz, Third AF command chief master sergeant, visited RAF Mildenhall, England, April 3.

Third AF leadership discussed infrastructure developments with wing leadership and gained an understanding of the resources needed during the divestiture process.

“RAF Mildenhall’s mission is incredibly important as the premier air refueling wing in Europe, and it’s vital they provide support to both our jets and those of our allies,” Wood said. “I’m always impressed with the professionalism of the Airmen and the hard work they put in.”

Wood and Cruz Munoz witnessed the mission firsthand, met with Airmen of the 100th Air Refueling Wing, experienced how they can help with infrastructure issues, and determined the help needed for continued mission development.

“I was amazed by the capabilities and options the Bloody Hundredth delivers to ensure mission success,” Cruz Munoz said. “As a strategic forward base, RAF Mildenhall’s mission is critical to our operational and strategic objectives in Europe. Our tankers are able to keep ‘birds’ in the sky and deter our adversaries, day or night.”

After hearing of the daily contributions RAF Mildenhall makes around the region, Wood and Cruz Munoz visited with 100th Security Forces Squadron Airmen to observe the augmentee program and toured the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron hangar to discuss vehicle management.

They also toured the 100th Communications Squadron control facility to understand communication resiliency concerns and talked with the 100th Maintenance Squadron aircraft ground equipment hangar to learn of their five-year infrastructure plan.

Cruz Munoz dined with top-performing Airmen from across the wing where he explained their importance to the mission.

“Your preparation, availability and accountability are vital to ensure the mission here never wavers and achieves success,” Cruz Munoz stated. “As an individual, you must be prepared to work hard, be available at a moment’s notice and be accountable for your actions each day. Always remember how special the opportunity to serve in this theatre is and be present every day.”

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Amrhein, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, stated how important it is for leadership to visit installations.

“It’s always an incredible opportunity to have leadership visit, see how we operate day-to-day and meet the outstanding Airmen of the Bloody Hundredth,” Amrhein remarked. “Our mission is a ready force and as a strategic forward base, we project airpower through unrivaled air refueling across our area of responsibility. Our vision will always be to extend our reach and deter adversaries through the hard work of warrior minded Airmen.”