Day In The Life: Boom Operator Simulation

Published Feb. 17, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Iris Carpenter
100th ARW PA

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Byrum, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, controls a boom operator simulator during a day in the life immersion at RAF Mildenhall, England Dec. 19, 2025. The training emphasizes fine motor control, and skills that are critical to executing the Air Force’s global mobility mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Iris Carpenter)