RAF Mildenhall provides fuel for coalition forces

Three Tornado PA-200 from Buechel Air Base, Germany, fly beside a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, after receiving fuel Feb. 5, 2013, over Germany. Five aircraft received a total of 15,600 pounds of fuel before continuing their training mission. (U. S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Latisha Cole/Released)

RAF Mildenhall provides fuel for coalition forces

An F-4 Phantom from Wittmund Air Base, Germany, flies beside a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a training mission Feb. 5, 2013, over Germany. Both the F-4 and the KC-135 platforms have been used by air forces worldwide since before the Vietnam War. (U. S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Latisha Cole/Released)

KC-135 supports French operations in Mali

A French Mirage fighter prepares to refuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, over Africa Jan. 29, 2013. Tankers from RAF Mildenhall, operating from a forward deployed location began flying refueling missions in support of French operations in Mali Jan. 27, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jason Smith)

KC-135 supports French operations in Mali

Capt. Tim Gerne, 100th Air Refueling Wing Detachment pilot deployed to a forward operating location, flies a KC-135 Stratotanker over Africa as the sun rises on Jan. 29, 2013. The detachment from RAF Mildenhall, England, deployed Jan. 26 to deliver air refueling support to French operations in Mali. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Jason Smith)

Nose to tail, wing tip to wing tip, KC-135 receives ‘bird bath’ at washrack

Senior Airman Eric Wietstruk, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, from Warner Robbins, Ga., pre-rinses a KC-135R Stratotanker in the first phase of an aircraft wash Jan. 25, 2013, in the washrack at RAF Mildenhall, England. The six-hour process ensures the aircraft is thoroughly cleaned from nose to tail and wing tip to wing tip. Nearly six gallons of soap are used during a full wash, which helps prevent corrosion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere/Released)

Nose to tail, wing tip to wing tip, KC-135 receives ‘bird bath’ at washrack

An Airman from the 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron washes a KC-135R Stratotanker during a full aircraft wash Jan. 25, 2013, in the washrack at RAF Mildenhall, England. A full wash takes approximately six hours, with a team of approximately six Airmen. Airmen wear personal protective equipment while scrubbing the plane using aircraft soap, water, brushes and pads to give it a thorough wash, which helps prevent corrosion. Aircraft here are scheduled for a full clean every 90 days. (U.S. Air Force photo by Karen Abeyasekere/Released)