RAF MILDENHALL, England -- After a thorough review, United States Transportation Command determined the RAF Mildenhall Patriot Express will cease operations on January 1, 2024.
When Patriot Express flights commenced on Sept. 20, 2022, as a test for one year, they were intended for U.S. military and civilian members and their families, including pets, permanently changing stations to and from the United Kingdom. Patriot Express operations will end as the flights have averaged a low utilization rate of 33% and commercial transportation options are available.
The Department of Defense has approved a new policy to cover pet travel expenses, like pet transportation or quarantine fees, incurred by Service members during a Permanent Change of Station beginning January 1, 2024. For more information, see the memorandum on this revision.
The remaining dates for the RAF Mildenhall Patriot Express are as follows:
10 and 24 October 2023
7 and 21 November 2023
5 and 19 December 2023
Of note, the Patriot Express arrives and departs on the same day.
Members PCSing will continue to go through their TMO office to get tickets for commercial travel for their PCS into and out of the UK. RAF Mildenhall TMO Passenger Travel is the primary focal point for any PCS travel questions. They can be reached at DSN: 314-238-2061, via email at 100LRS.PAX@us.af.mil, or during their customer service hours between 0900L-1500L in Passenger Terminal, Bldg. 598.