Air Fete 2003, RAF Mildenhall = CANCELLED

Air Fete 2003 Cancelled

RAF MILDENHALL, SUFFOLK- Due to increased operational requirements in support of the Global War on Terrorism, RAF Mildenhall's Air Fete air show in 2003 has been cancelled.

Europe's largest military-sponsored air show typically held over the last weekend in May, draws crowds and aircraft from throughout Europe and the world. In 2001, the show drew its largest crowd ever with more than 550,000 people and 143 aircraft from 14 countries participating. "We look at many factors before hosting Air Fete," said Col. Donald Lustig,
100th Air Refueling Wing commander. "An important aspect again this year was our operations tempo which has required our aircraft and personnel to be deployed for missions, including support for Operation Enduring Freedom. We also listened to the local community concerns and based our decision on their interests as well."

As the only American aerial refueling wing based in Europe, the KC-135 Stratotankers at Mildenhall are responsible for refueling U.S., NATO and allied aircraft within a 20 million square mile area, covering 93 countries from the Northern tip of Norway to South Africa and from Greenland to Siberia.

Much like the reasons to cancel Air Fete in 1999 due to the Kosovo situation and last year in the aftermath of Sept. 11, the unpredictability of the ongoing war on terrorism has increased the operations tempo for not only RAF Mildenhall but also many sister services and allies. "In past years operational missions at RAF Mildenhall were suspended during Air Fete, but with the increased operations tempo that isn't an option this year," said Lustig. "It was a difficult decision to make, but in the end we could not guarantee the caliber of event that people expect of an Air Fete at RAF Mildenhall.

"We look forward to continuing our special relationship with the surrounding community and will participate in local events whenever possible to reflect our appreciation of their support," said Lustig.

There will be no show in 2004 because of a scheduled runway construction project.

Preview Legend: (F)-Flying Display (S)-Static Display (FP)-Flypast Only  (C)-Charter  (V)-Visitor

Essential Airshow Infomation

Website
http://www.mildenhall.af.mil/airfete

Telephone
(+44) 01638543341

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