RAF Mildenhall Airmen embrace heritage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Airmen from Team Mildenhall participated in a heritage visit Dec. 17, 2013, which stopped by two of the World War II-era air bases scattered across England to show Airmen the historical importance of U.S. military presence in England during World War II.

The first stop on the trip was RAF Thorpe Abbotts. Now a museum filled with relics from the war, this base has a special significance for Team Mildenhall as it was the original location of the 100th Bombardment Group, the namesake for 100th Air Refueling Wing.

Volunteers who run the museum greeted the Airmen and, after providing a brief history of the base's part in the war, led them on a tour through the remaining buildings on the base. The centerpiece of the tour, the air traffic control tower, was refurbished in the late 1970s. The volunteers have maintained the tower ever since. Each floor has displays showing the various equipment, clothing and aircraft of the time, along with photos and detailed accounts of the lives of Airmen who had served there.

"It was great to learn more about the many brave individuals who served for our nation," said Senior Airman Alexis Musumeci, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator from Madison, Wis. "I learned so many things from this visit and the guides were so knowledgeable and interesting."

From the top floor of the tower, the great expanse of grassy fields, formerly a runway and taxiways, were in clear view. Even though the concrete was removed years ago, the faint outline of the original hardstands was still visible, if only as slightly yellowed grass in a sea of green.

Following the tour of the museum, the Airmen were back on the road and headed toward RAF Horham, where the 95th Bombardment Group was stationed in World War II. Only a few miles away, it became apparent just how densely populated with air bases England was during the war. While the U.S. was actively operating in England in World War II, many bases were constructed, usually within five miles of another, and ready for operational use within a year.

Upon arrival at RAF Horham, the volunteer staff of the museum greeted the Airmen and presented a history of the base. They took the Airmen to the Blue Lounge, a former dry lounge and dance floor in the war, for lunch. While eating, a video donated by the family of an Airman stationed at RAF Horham in World War II was played. The video, a compilation of shots from different operations and activities during the war, was quite special as it was shot entirely in color film.

"When we watched the video at Horham, I was surprised to see how many planes flew together and how close they were," Musumeci said. "I was surprised to see how much of the same equipment is used today despite all of the advances in technology."

The Airmen then roamed the museum to take in as much of the rich history of the era and area as possible.

"The trip really put things into perspective and gave tangibility to the experiences from that time," said Airman 1st Class Stephanie Richardson, 100th Operations Support Squadron airfield management operations coordinator. "I really enjoyed myself, and the support from the volunteers at the museum and RAF Mildenhall was phenomenal."

The trip was, at its core, a reminder of those who lost their lives, and why it is an honor to serve today. With the knowledge obtained from looking through the history of the Air Force comes a greater understanding and appreciation for what each Airman contributes to the mission as a whole.

"Many don't realize how much heritage matters until they take tours like this," said Master Sgt. John Locke, 100th Air Refueling Wing Judge Advocate law office superintendent. "This tour reminded me of why I'm proud to be an Airman."