U.S. Air Force service members arrive at Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, France

U.S. Air Force service members arrive at Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, France, in support of Operation Juniper Micron, Feb. 21, 2016. Since 2013, the U.S has been supporting the French government in OJM by providing air refueling and airlift support of French operations in Mali and North Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Trower/Released)

Stick 'em up

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The tail of 100th Air Refueling Wing KC-135s bear unique markings making them immediately identifiable from other Stratotankers. The Box D and base shield are each 48 inches tall, and are created by Airmen at the corrosion control shop. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Teresa Hawkins)

Operation Juniper Micron support to continue from Istres

Published Feb. 22, 2016
By Capt. Lauren Ott
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Three KC-135 Stratotankers along with 50 Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, temporarily deployed to Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, France, in support of Operation Juniper Micron.

The U.S. has been supporting the French Government in OJM at their request since 2013, providing air refueling and airlift support of French operations in Mali and North Africa.

As of December 2015, the 100th ARW has flown more than 750 sorties, refueled more than 2,900 French aircraft and off-loaded nearly 28 million pounds of fuel while supporting French operations.

The strategic decision to temporarily deploy the KC-135s to Istres is the result of the continual evaluation of how to best support our French ally in the air and on the ground.

The long-standing relationship between the U.S. and France enables operational success by allowing a forward-based presence of USAFE-AFAFRICA assets and the ability to move forward quickly in support of French operations.

We will continue to provide the same level of support to our French allies from Istres that we have since support operations began in 2013.