Three USAFE bases combine forces in name of flight safety

LAJES FIELD, Azores – A firefighter from Lajes Field hurries to help recover an F-15C from RAF Lakenheath, England, that has engaged the base’s arresting barrier during a routine test of the system Dec. 9, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Chyrece Campbell)

Have you checked your mail today?

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Airman 1st Class Samson Cobb, 100th Communications Squadron postal worker, places inbound packages on shelves as they are unloaded from a delivery truck at the post office here Dec. 9, 2011. During the holiday season, the post office receives a daily delivery that almost completely fills their already limited shelf space. Customers should check their boxes and pick up packages regularly to help keep the shelves clear for incoming mail. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tabitha M. Lee)

Have you checked your mail today?

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Senior Airman Michael Hughes, 100th Communications Squadron postal worker, secures an opening in a box as it comes off of a delivery truck at the post office here Dec. 9, 2011. The postal workers ensure boxes are secure before distributing them to customers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tabitha M. Lee)

Have you checked your mail today?

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Senior Airman Christopher Dale, 100th Communications Squadron postal worker, unloads a delivery truck at the post office here Dec. 9, 2011. During the holiday season, the post office receives double the amount of packages than normal. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tabitha M. Lee)

From touch-down to take-off, APG ensures tankers are mission-ready

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Senior Airman Terrence McIlwain, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals a KC-135 Stratanker out of its spot as the aircrew prepare to launch Nov. 9, 2011. Made up of three career fields – crew chiefs, hydraulics and propulsion specialists – APG formerly meant “airplane general,” and though the name is no longer officially used, it’s still kept for its historical roots.The 100th AMXS APG crew chiefs perform all necessary safety inspections, both on and off the jet, starting many hours before takeoff. Once all checks are complete and everything is found to be as it should, they then marshal the jet out so it can take off, and again once it lands. (U.S. Air Force photo/Karen Abeyasekere)

From touch-down to take-off, APG ensures tankers are mission-ready

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- A specialist from 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron APG fixes a minor problem on an aircraft engine of a KC-135 Stratotanker before it prepares to take off Nov. 9, 2011. APG formerly meant “aircraft general,” and though the name is no longer officially used, it's still kept for its historical roots. Hydraulics and propulsion specialists work with crew chiefs as part of APG, and inspect and generate aircraft for missions, and ensure they are ready for flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Karen Abeyasekere)