RAF Fairford begins RIAT preparations

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brian Maguire
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom --  The Airmen of the 422nd Air Base Group are busy preparing to support the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and the world's largest military air show at RAF Fairford July 7-8.

Highlighting the capabilities and assets of the RAF Fairford, as well as strengthening the U.S.-U.K. relationship, were two of the themes expressed during the Royal International Air Tattoo media launch day May 29.

"At a tactical level, RIAT allows us to open the airfield, operate our systems and facilities, and ensure we are able to perform the mission when called upon," said Col. Jeffrey Yocum, 501st Combat Support Wing vice commander. "At a much higher level, it strengthens our shared communities, solidifies our partnership, and deepens our friendships."

While the U.S. and U.K. civilians that comprise the 420th Air Base Squadron don't have the enormous task of planning and executing RIAT, they do provide various levels of support.

"Besides providing an operating location, the 420th ABS (and 422nd Air Base Group) work closely with the RAFCTE in all areas," said Tim Hershberger, 420th ABS site director. "RIAT allows RAF Fairford to test almost every aspect of our 'warm operation'."

The 422nd ABG, with the 420th ABS in the lead, works hard to coordinate the support provided to RIAT, Hershberger said. Besides just providing a location, Airmen work with RAFCTE personnel for lodging, dining, safety, security, legal and civil engineering functions to ensure the air show runs smoothly.

"We ensure RIAT receives the maximum amount of support possible from the U.S. Air Force while acting as safety observer, making sure they are doing everything safely in order to protect U.S. Air Force assets and personnel," he said. "We want them to have a great show, but we make sure they are following U.S. Air Force guidelines if necessary to make sure everything stays legal and safe."

The all-civilian nature of the 420th ABS has made it easy to work with counterparts at RIAT, especially since RAF Fairford has hosted RIAT more than 20 times.
"Because we have a stable civilian workforce that has not turned over for many years, most employees are very familiar with the operation, including set-up and tear-down," Hershberger said. "It's a smooth-running operation."

Besides being able to showcase the capabilities of the 420th ABS, RIAT allows the 501st CSW to expand upon the special relationship between the U.S. and U.K. in the local community.

"RIAT is a spectacular event that simultaneously shines the spotlight on this tremendous airfield as well as the remarkable community in which it resides," Yocum said. "The tattoo itself is a partnership with the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust that is woven into the fabric of not only RAF Fairford, but the 422nd Air Base Group, 501st Combat Support Wing, and indeed all U.S. Visiting Forces."