100th ARW commander ensures 'clean' OUP wrap-up

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tabitha M. Lee
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDNEHALL, England --  The 100th Air Refueling Wing commander visited Base Aérienne 125, Istres, France, Nov. 7 and 8, to inspect facilities and thank the French Air Force for their hospitality.

Col. Christopher Kulas toured several facilities there to ensure Team Mildenhall Airmen were being good stewards of the U.S. Air Force and the 100th ARW.

With the closing of Operation Unified Protector, Airmen are preparing to return home. During this redeployment, it's important that the facilities are returned to the clean and operational manner in which they were found.

"It's incumbent upon us to be good guests and to thank the French for what they're doing by leaving things better than we found them," said Kulas.

The commander also thanked the French Air Force for their help and involvement during the mission at BA 125.

"We flew about 500 missions to refuel approximately 6,000 receivers from 15 different countries, and the support has been wonderful," said Kulas.

Airmen from both services attended a luncheon that provided an opportunity for Kulas and French Air Force Col. Marc Vinchon, BA 125 commander, to discuss the potential for mutual support in the future.

Vinchon presented Kulas with a vaisselle d'amitié - a small dish given as a token of friendship - adorned with the BA 125 patch, and expressed that he was thankful for the 100th ARW's help in providing support for the NATO air traffic treaty.

In turn, Kulas presented a Square D tail flash to show his appreciation.

"This is about friendship, sharing and working together to ensure that we execute the mission," said Kulas to the hosts. "Thank you for your support and cooperation that helped make this a great success."