RAF Mildenhall Airmen support REAL THAW

An A-10 Thunderbolt II refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker during exercise REAL THAW, Feb. 19, 2013. The Stratotanker is operated by the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron operating from southwest Europe. The 351st EARS is comprised of Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, who deployed Jan. 26, 2013. The 351st EARS offered to participate in REAL THAW from their deployed location. Picking up the exercise refueling mission gave the 351st EARS aircrew additional training and was an efficient way to use a pre-located refueling capability. REAL THAW, the Portuguese military's premiere annual exercise, integrates the Portuguese Army, Navy and Air Force for joint operations and scenarios. The exercise also includes forces from partner nations. The 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is one of the U.S. representatives in Portugal. Their airframe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, is the only close air support aircraft participating this year, and the Portuguese military is taking full advantage of its capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. LeeAnn Sunn/Released)