RAF commander looks forward to new challenges at U.S. base

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Keen half-marathon runner and Formula One motor racing fan, Squadron Leader Rick Fryer, from Eccles, Lancashire, is the new Royal Air Force station commander at RAF Mildenhall. 

Prior to arriving here, the base's 38th station commander was stationed at RAF Brampton/Wyton as Squadron Leader Operations and Officer Commanding Force Development Squadron, where he held overall responsibility for airfield operations and readiness training. 

His role also included overseeing all aspects of airfield operations and providing Airmen with training in leadership, airpower and military skills, enabling them to be better prepared for deployed operations. 

"The tasks were very similar to those conducted by the 100th Operations Group and 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness Flight," said the squadron leader. "They included all aspects of air traffic control and airfield management, military skills and weapons training, along with physical fitness and academic training." 

Fulfilling a childhood ambition, Sqn. Ldr. Fryer joined the RAF in 1977, straight after he left school. 

"I've always had a passionate interest in aviation, but unfortunately my eyesight did not meet the standards for pilot training. Nevertheless, I still wanted to join the RAF in a flying-related role and was lucky enough to be accepted for air traffic control training." 

Throughout his career he has been stationed throughout the United Kingdom and Germany, with posts including RAF Wildenrath (Germany), RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Brize Norton. 

"My favorite posting was definitely RAF Coltishall in Norfolk, where I was the squadron commander for the air traffic control squadron. It was a busy, challenging job on a close-knit and friendly station in a very pleasant part of the country." 

At RAF Mildenhall he is responsible for advising the 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, and partner unit commanders, on all aspects of United Kingdom policy, protocol and regulations. 

Sqn. Ldr. Fryer is vested with the status, disciplinary powers and responsibilities as commanding officer, and is head of establishment for all RAF personnel and Ministry of Defence civilians employed at RAF Mildenhall. 

He works closely with the community relations advisors and attends parish council meetings at Beck Row and Mildenhall. 

Sqn. Ldr. Fryer said he's looking forward to the challenge of his new position at RAF Mildenhall. This is the first U.S. Air Force base the RAF station commander has worked at, and he understands there will be differences from what he's used to. 

"Initially, understanding the organizations is a challenge; while most functions are similar to their RAF counterparts, they often have different names and are generally on a bigger scale," he said. 

As the head of all the MoD employees on base, he is very keen on two-way communication. 

"If personnel have any issues, they can bring them directly to me; if there's information I need to know, I'd like it brought to my attention, and similarly, if there's information I have that my MoD staff needs to know, I will make sure they are aware of it. I also intend to hold periodic (RAF) commander's calls to ensure there is a sufficient flow of information both upwards and downwards." 

After 30 years in the RAF, the squadron leader has built up plenty of knowledge, which he intends to share. 

"I plan to use my considerable experience in the RAF to help the wing achieve its mission. I will work closely with my U.S. and British colleagues, at a local, community and national level. The U.S. and U.K. have always had a special working relationship which, for RAF Mildenhall, I intend to enhance - it's my duty to ensure that the relationship continues in support of the 100th ARW mission."