American Air Day in Duxford to highlight U.S. heritage in England Aug. 22

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kathleen Ferrero
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The Imperial War Museum Duxford staff plans to host its second annual American Air Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 featuring U.S. military assets. 

"Thousands of our British neighbors came to the American Air Day last year to learn more about the U.S. military's role here," said Lt. Col. Bruce McNaughton, military operations officer in charge of the event.

"This is a chance for us to get out and meet some of our neighbors," he said. "There will be something for every member of the family to enjoy."

The goal of American Air Day is to give British visitors at taste of U.S. military and American life and expose servicemembers and their families to U.S.-British heritage.

The American Air Museum will be open, showcasing Duxford's historic links to American aviation during WWII.

The 70,000 square foot building houses 20 historic American aircraft that served in the Air Force, Navy and Army -- several of which are the only examples of their type on display in Europe, according to the IWM Duxford Web site.

"The American Air Museum is a fantastic display," Lt. Col. McNaughton said. "This is a great opportunity to learn about the rich U.S. military aviation history over the past 60-plus years."

The American Air Day schedule includes aerial demonstrations by the KC-135 Stratotanker, F-15E Strike Eagle, MC-130P Combat Shadow, HH-60G Pave Hawk and more.

The U.S. Air Forces Europe pop band "Touch 'n Go" will return this year with selections from favorite rock, R&B, country and pop songs.

Static displays will be set up to provide "hands-on" experience of a U.S. base. Among the lineup is a special operations equipment bench, military working dog demonstrations, tent city display, Prisoners of War and Missing in Action ceremonies and a motorcycle display.

Gates will open at 10 a.m. Discounted tickets are available to military for £10 per person at RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Alconbury.
For more information, call the RAF Mildenhall Information, Tickets and Tours office at 238-2630 or CLICK HERE to visit the IWM Duxford Web site. http://duxford.iwm.org.uk/server/show/conEvent.2134