U.S. Air Forces in Europe celebrates 60th anniversary at RIAT

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Carl Rishkofski
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCES FAIRFORD, ENGLAND (USAFENS) --  Capt. Andy "ACE" Gilbert and the 494th Mighty Black Panthers Team from RAF Lakenheath enjoyed a change of pace from their usual mission. 

Captain Gilbert, , an F-15 weapons system officer, was a key part of the Royal International Air Tattoo. RIAT is the world's largest military air show and turns the normally quiet town of Fairford, England, into a landing pad for military aircraft from around the world.

RAF Fairford has hosted nearly 150,000 spectators for RIAT every July since 1985 when it replaced RAF Greenham as the venue. Started in 1971, the show raises money for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and changes its themes every year. This year the themes "Agile and Adaptive" and the "U.S. Air Force's 60th Anniversary" were at the forefront of the show.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the U.S. Air Force to celebrate our 60th Anniversary," said Capt. Gilbert. He and his F-15 Strike Eagle were also the perfect fit for this year's RIAT theme of "Agile and Adaptive." As Capt. Gilbert explained the capabilities of the Strike Eagle to spectators, members of the Air Combat Command F-15E Strike Eagle Single-Ship Demonstration Team, from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., cut through the sunny skies over Fairford displaying those same attributes. The pilot is Maj. Al "Jewel" Kennedy and the Weapons System Officer is Capt. Jack "Woody" Stallworth.

"Brilliant," was the word that spectator James Denning used to describe the chance to be so close to the F-15 Strike Eagle. "Meeting and discussing these aircraft with the American pilots is a great opportunity," said Mr. Denning. "They're always ready and willing to answer any question about these technically advanced aircraft."

Captain Gilbert added not only was it a great opportunity to interact with the crowd but it also gave him the chance to become reacquainted with some of his NATO counterparts he had become friends with at a recent NATO leadership course. "The chance to see them again is great," he said.

The F-15s from RAF Lakenheath weren't the only USAFE aircraft in the show. As the lead command supporting RIAT, USAFE displayed the A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-130E Hercules, C-21, F-16C Fighting Falcon, and KC-135 Stratotanker along with a USAFE Heritage Display. The display featured models in World War II Army Air Corps uniforms and gave visitors a chance to learn more about the 65-year history of USAFE.

RIAT also featured several international demonstration teams to include a rare visit from the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (the Thunderbirds) as they performed for the first time at RIAT, returning to the United Kingdom for the first time in six years.