Nick Timothy, MP for West Suffolk, has praised American and British service personnel and support staff stationed and working at RAF Mildenhall following a recent base visit.
Mr Timothy met senior US Air Force base personnel, and was also kindly shown around by the base by its RAF commander Squadron Leader Owen Crossby.
While there the MP discussed the base’s work with the team, as well as topics affecting both local residents and those stationed at RAF Mildenhall and nearby RAF Lakenheath.
Discussions covered the danger of sabotage of battery energy storage systems, and runoff fires link to this, connected with the nearby Sunnica solar farm. Other topics covered were the recent Pride in Place grant for Lakenheath of £20 million over ten years, the housing market, flight paths and ways to enhance the local economy.
Mr Timothy followed up with a letter to a senior USAF officer. This can be read below:
During his meetings at the base on 30 January, Mr Timothy also received a briefing on the work done by the base and the 145 off-base civic events personnel took part in last year.
Other joint initiatives involving residents and base personnel include the Honorary Commanders programme and Lion Squadron and Alumni programmes.
This year will also see a joint venture between United States Air Force Cadets and the Suffolk Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet programme to foster international relations.
RAF Mildenhall is home to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, the only permanent U.S. air refueling wing in the European theatre.
The base supports aircraft including KC-135 Stratotankers and CV-22 Ospreys, providing critical air refueling and special operations capabilities.
Around 4,000 personnel, plus dependents, are based at RAF Mildenhall, while RAF Lakenheath hosts 6,000 people in Air Force and associated roles.
Mr Timothy said: “Like most local people I strongly support the military presence in Suffolk – and I am proud our community is doing its bit for our country’s security.
“Those stationed at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath are important members of the West Suffolk community. Residents welcome and pay tribute to their pivotal commitment to the defence of the West. The bases also embody and strengthen the deep links between our two countries.
“I want to thank those at the base for their warm welcome. We had a constructive discussion about important issues. I am keen to build on this strong partnership and was fascinated to hear about their work, and about the array of voluntary activities base personnel have taken part in over the past year – from litter picking, to the British American Council, to participating in local parish council meetings.”
