RAF ALCONBURY, England -- The Royal Air Force aerobatic team, known as the Red Arrows, landed at RAF Fairford, England, June 4, 2021.
The Red Arrows came to Fairford to refuel in preparation for the Midlands Air Festival the next day.
“The Red Arrows chose to use RAF Fairford as an alternative base of operations while executing multiple performances at the Midlands Air Festival,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Richard Trost, 420th Air Base Squadron superintendent and logistics planner. “They were able to launch and recover from here, the 420th ABS was able to support with ample parking space and refueling capacity.
“We were also able to provide them with working space for their dye team to create fluids needed for their iconic red, white and blue smoke trails the Red Arrows are known for.”
Even though coming to Fairford was not originally a part of their schedule the Red Arrows were eager for the opportunity to work with the Airmen and personnel of the 420th ABS.
“It’s a real pleasure to be working with the U.S. Air Force, I've spent time working directly with the U.S. military before and it’s always great to touch base and work together again,” said Flight Lieutenant David Simmonds, RAF Red Arrows pilot. “Interoperability between our two countries is really important so it’s always a pleasure to come to Fairford and strengthen our partnership.”
The Red Arrows have an extensive history with RAF Fairford stretching back over 50 years. Their last air show performance in the United Kingdom was at RAF Fairford in July of 2019 so the personnel at Fairford were thrilled for the opportunity to play a role in their restart.
“Our mission at RAF Fairford is to receive, beddown, sustain and employ transient forces, and I think we were able to showcase our capabilities to the Red Arrows during their visit,” said Trost. “In doing so, I hope we’ve presented ourselves as reliable partners, and conveyed the message that RAF Fairford stands ready to play host whenever needed, whether it be for the Red Arrows or any other RAF Forces.