RAF FAIRFORD, United Kingdom -- From transient alert and air traffic control to fuels and airfield management, the Airmen of the 420th Air Base Squadron provided world-class combat support during the Royal International Air Tattoo Media Day here on June 8th.
RIAT is the world's largest military airshow, drawing more than 170,000 spectators to the Cotswolds of England.
"We are absolutely honored and delighted to be associated with the Royal International Air Tattoo for all these years and for a number of reasons, but mostly because we are completely aligned and believe in what the Air Tattoo stands for," said Col. Brian Kelly, 501st Combat Support Wing commander. "For us, RIAT is a chance to exercise and nurture the special relationship we have between our two countries and our two air forces - the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Air Force."
The U.S. Air Force has supported RIAT through most of it's 40-year history, providing space on two different installations to host the Air Tattoo.
"We've been at RAF Fairford since 1985, we were at RAF Greenham Common from 1973 through 1984, and both of these locations have been through the generosity of the United States Air Force," said Tim Prince, Chief Executive of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and RIAT. "We're immensely grateful to them."
In addition to providing the installation to host RIAT, the United States military is currently scheduled to supply 18 aircraft for static display, and two A-10s from the West Coast Demonstration Team as part of the flying portion of the Air Tattoo.
"Once again, the U.S. Air Force is pulling out all the stops to support the Air Tattoo, demonstrating the value it places on this internationally recognized gathering of aviators that takes place annually in the Cotswolds," said Mr. Prince.
The static and aerial demonstrations aren't the only benefits to hosting RIAT.
"The opportunity we have to host international aviators and air chiefs from all these different countries, to discuss, promote and showcase military aviation, is a unique and wonderful opportunity," said Colonel Kelly.
The host installation for RIAT, RAF Fairford, serves as U.S. Air Forces in Europe's only bomber forward operating location. Operating under the 422nd Air Base Group, the 420th Air Base Squadron, consists of 205 U.S. Department of Defense and U.K. Ministry of Defence civilians who work at RAF Fairford to maintain the operational capability of the airfield and installation.
"By partnering with RIAT, we are also able to exercise the airfield and keep the airfield operational," said Colonel Kelly. "It is part of the daily mission of the 422nd and the 420th to support RIAT, because for the United States Air Force, it helps to support our operational mission."
This year's RIAT marks the 40th anniversary of the Air Tattoo and will be held July 16 and 17 at RAF Fairford. Parking is free, and accompanied under-16s have free admission, but tickets must be purchased in advance.