British teachers learn, experience aerial refueling

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  With British schools starting in less than a week, four local elementary school teachers became students and stepped back to the days of whoopee cushions, candy bars, and cooties, to learn how to pass gas RAF Mildenhall style.

But unlike the function of the old practical joke gadget passing gas at RAF Mildenhall is no laughing matter - it means extending the global reach and global power of U.S. and NATO aircraft across the Atlantic, throughout Europe and into the reaches of Asia and Africa.

The day was more than just an educational event. It paid a debt of gratitude.

Those local educators provide American children a proper British education, but it's rare that the base gets to reciprocate, as the wing's mission is a busy one.

The Airmen here use 15 assigned KC-135 Stratotankers to keep Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nations' aircraft gassed up and ready to fight in an area that covers 20-million square miles.

Prior to taking flight, the teachers were examined by the flight surgeon, received mission briefings, and were shown the safety features and necessary precautions for the mission.

Later in the day, briefing and classroom-style instruction gave way to real-life experiences as two teachers sat in the cockpit during takeoff, one during landing, and they all took turns laying on either side of the boom operator and watched RAF Lakenheath-based F-15E Strike Eagles take on fuel.

"Thank you for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see firsthand what those planes we are accustomed to seeing in the British skies do to bolster national security," said Linda Flack, a teacher from Lakenheath Community Primary School. "It was amazing to see how effortless in appearance a crew of professionals can counter harsh weather, link up with fighter jets, maintain a course and speed with those jets, and pump petrol - all while flying in massive circles 10,000 feet in the air."

Staff Sgt. Bob Jenkins, 351st Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, was one such professional and he offloaded JP-8 fuel to four Strike Eagle aircraft during the mission.

Also aboard were three pilots, including Maj. Kale Mosley, who spent time with the teachers, enhancing their understanding of air refueling operations and bolstering community relations.

Major Mosley said he was saddened his 3-month-old child wouldn't benefit from the quality of the British instructors.

"I'm afraid we'll be stateside long before my child is old enough to be in any of these guys' classes," he said. "It's too bad because they really seem like dedicated, terrific people."

Base leadership agreed that East Anglia is home to top-notch educators.

Col. Michael Winters, 100th ARW vice commander, met with the group of teachers just prior to their flight, lauded their dedication and contributions to his Airmen's children, and expressed his gratitude for what they do every day.

Two of the teachers, Jan Oldfield and Philip Revell, hail from Beck Row Primary School, where the student body is comprised of nearly 50 percent American students.

"We teach many of the base's children," said Mrs. Oldfield, Beck Row Primary School's head teacher. She explained the profound feeling she has in teaching these sky-borne heroes' children the essential curriculum they will need later in life.

After watching the F-15s get their load of fuel, tip their wings in a note of thanks, Elaine Secker, Lakenheath Community Primary School teacher, shared her perspective.

"You know, it is quite possible that one of those pilots has a son or daughter at my school," said Mrs. Secker. "Wouldn't it be brilliant if he told his child that their teacher was miles above England aboard a KC-135 watching their dad work today?"

All teachers agreed that what the aircrews do is second to none and said they take pride in the privilege they have of teaching the next generation of British and American children. "For these children may someday be the next wave of servicemembers keeping our nation safe."