New running track for RAF Mildenhall

U.S. Air Force Col. John Howard, left, 100th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, and Lt. Col John Ball, 100th Force Support Squadron commander, shovel into the ground during a ceremony July 27, 2016, on RAF Mildenhall, England. The ground-breaking ceremony was held to celebrate the beginning of construction for a new track on the south side of base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tenley Long)

New running track for RAF Mildenhall

Published Aug. 1, 2016
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF Mildenhall, England -- Ground was officially broken for a new running track located by the Hardstand Fitness Center July 27, 2016, on RAF Mildenhall, England.

The track, proposed by Lt. Col. John Ball, 100th Force Support Squadron commander, is scheduled for completion in September of 2016.

“When I first got here, I noticed we didn’t have an efficient process for the physical testing of our Airmen,” Ball said. “This is an opportunity to maximize time for them and improve that process.”

The 400-meter track will serve as a more efficient track for the physical fitness testing. Also, the location will provide a closer running track for those working on the south side of the base.

Ball proposed a new track for fitness testing in July 2014, and in June 2015 U.S. Air Forces in Europe granted initial approval and funding. The proposal faced several delays due to increased costs compared to initial estimates. In partnership with 100th Civil Engineer Squadron, the final approval was received June 2016.