RAF Mildenhall celebrates 75 years of air history

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  A dismal morning rainstorm didn't stop servicemembers and civilians from gathering at RAF Mildenhall May 15 to celebrate the base's 75th anniversary.

The event included aircraft displays- both flying and static -and as several demonstrations showcasing different parts of the RAF Mildenhall mission.

More than 1,000 people showed up to the six-hour celebration, which was open to military members and civilians who work on the local bases and their guests, and many local and national dignitaries.

Many of the people in attendance were able to see how the base has transformed over its 75-year existence through photos and historical displays. However, a select few were able to compare the RAF Mildenhall of today to the base in their own distant memories.

Former Royal Air Force Airman 1st Class Charlie Woolford, now 88, stood at the edge of the flight line and stared in wonder at more than 20 aircraft from the early days of the base as they streamed in one by one. The aircraft later departed the base in a recreation of the historical 1934 England to Australia Air Race.

At one point, Mr. Woolford wondered out loud where such a large collection of the vintage aircraft was found.

"It's great that someone's able to keep them," he said of the immaculate condition of the arriving warbirds, including many 1930s Tiger Moth biplanes. However, the antiquity of the parade of planes was not lost on him.

"I look at these, and I look at the ones behind me and I don't know what to say," he said, gesturing at the rows of modern U.S. Air Force planes on static display to his back. "The difference is so incredible."

Mr. Woolford was able to get a first-hand look at at least one of RAF Mildenhall's current airframes, a KC-135 Stratotanker. He said he was amazed at how such a large, advanced aircraft could be flown with such a small crew.

Standing next to him was Natalie Ebbs, who said her father and grandfather helped build the original hangars here. She and Mr. Woolford smiled each time they watched a plane land and taxi to the grass patch in front of them.

"It's nice to be able to get so near to them," Mr. Woolford said.

The wonder of it all was not only felt by the ones who saw the base come to life many years ago. Master Sgt. Mike Carroll, a loadmaster with the 7th Special Operations Squadron, said he was honored to be able to be a part of such a monumental occasion in Air Force history.

"I was so glad to have been given the chance to participate in this," the sergeant said. He was part of a crew that flew an MC-130 Combat Shadow during the celebration's airpower demonstration.

"I was especially proud to be able to showcase the special ops airpower, adding to the demonstration of Team Mildenhall's overall mission," he said.

In addition to flying displays, demonstrations were given by the RAF Mildenhall fire department, special operations ground units, the 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs and more. Attendees were even able to get an up-close and personal look at some of the base's raptors, which are used to keep the bird population at a safe minimum.

Between explosive presentations from the fire department and the gut-rumbling aerobatics of some of today's modern fighter jets, the crowd was able to grab a bite to eat or souvenir from various vendors. One visitor, 6-year-old Noah Ogle, son of Senior Master Sgt. William Ogle and his wife, Kim, was too busy enjoying lunch to say what his favorite part of the show was, but nodded enthusiastically when asked if he was having fun.

Everyone from young children to not-so-young children at heart wandered the RAF Mildenhall flight line, taking in 75 years of history in a single afternoon. Some marveled at the speed and sound of the modern jets screaming overhead, while others, like Mr. Woolford, just shook their heads and smiled at how much has changed.

"How this place has grown," he said, trailing off as he watched another 70-year-old airplane touch down softly on the runway.