Under Secretary of the Air Force visits RAF Mildenhall as part of European Theatre Tour

ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England – Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier traveled to RAF Mildenhall, England, to see firsthand how Team Mildenhall is enhancing its operational readiness, Sept. 28, 2026.

The visit to RAF Mildenhall was one of Lohmeier’s stops on a greater immersion tour throughout the European theater. The engagement highlighted the Department of the Air Force’s continued emphasis on readiness throughout the force, as well as its commitment to investing in the people, programs and culture that support Airmen in executing the mission.

Lohmeier kicked off his engagement with a physical training session with the 352d Special Operations Wing and then sat down with several 100th Air Refueling Wing units to gain an understanding of how their missions overlap and support each other.

During the briefings, Lohmeier toured key facilities and gained firsthand insight into how the 100th ARW’s KC-135 capabilities contribute to the projection of airpower.

“We cannot project airpower, extend the reach of our forces, and respond rapidly to challenges across the globe without our tankers,” Lohmeier said. “I was impressed to see how our Airmen ensure we remain ready to deliver combat power alongside our Allies and deter conflict across multiple theaters.”

Throughout the immersion, Lohmeier also spoke with Airmen across the installation about the specific capabilities and resources needed to execute the base's mission.

“It’s clear every time you see the news – our 100th Air Refueling Wing and Team Mildenhall Airmen are playing a critical role in operations around the world,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Byrum, 100th ARW commander. “Our training builds tactical proficiency, maintainer and operator readiness, and confidence in the weapon system, and now we get to execute our mission. It’s an honor to highlight how our Airmen maintain ready, decisive combat power in support of global operations.”

Lohmeier’s presence reaffirmed the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to readiness, global reach, and partnership across the European theater. As a critical hub for air refueling and expeditionary airpower, RAF Mildenhall remains central to projecting combat power and ensuring U.S. forces swiftly respond to challenges across multiple theaters.

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