When it was announced that Vice President of the United States of America James David Vance and his family would be holidaying in the Cotswolds that RAF Fairford would see an increase in movements supporting the Vice President. And this was correct with no fewer than 10 United States Air Force C17’s bringing in a plethora of support vehicles and associated personnel. What wasn’t expected was that he would take time out to address the men and women of the 501st Combat Support Wing and the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron prior to departing to Glasgow-Prestwick Aboard a Andrews based C-32
Whilst this was Vance’s first visit to RAF Fairford this wasn’t the first time that a member of the white house has passed through RAF Fairford in 2014 when Celtic Manor hosted the NATO Summit, Air Force One landed at RAF Fairford with President Barack Hussein Obama II onboard.
Vance emphasized the enduring strength of the U.S.–UK alliance and the critical role of forward-based forces in maintaining European security. He praised the role of forward-based U.S. forces in Europe, particularly those stationed at RAF Fairford, as vital to maintaining regional stability. He went on to acknowledge the personal sacrifices of service members and their families, reinforcing the human side of military service. With the fantastic backdrop of the mission fit Lockheed Martin U-2S featuring the large dorsal fin mission pod on top of the fuselage along with chalk nose art it was certainly a reminder of a crucial role that RAF Fairford play in operations throughout Europe and the Middle East.
Article by Matt Sudol, imagery provided by USAF via dvidshub
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