Top Royal Air Force commander visits Offutt

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The second-highest ranking U.K. Royal Air Force member visited Offutt on Nov. 28, to get a closer look at how the 55th Wing is providing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint initial qualification training to his fellow Airmen.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Simon Bryant, RAF commander-in-chief air command, met with more than 25 RAF Airmen, received an in-depth aircraft tour and saw first-hand how the RAF aircrew and maintenance troops are being trained on the RJ during his visit.

"I had a fantastic visit," he said. "We really do feel part of the team."

As the sole provider of RJ initial qualification training, the 55th WG was tasked with training RAF Airmen after an agreement was made between the Department of Defense and the U.K. Ministry of Defence that allows the RAF to purchase three RJ's over the next seven years.

The RAF expects delivery of their first RC-135W in late 2013.

"Seeing the training first-hand leaves me very, very excited," Bryant said. "I can't wait for 2013."

The 55th Wing started training the Brits in January with more than 60 having completed the program thus far.

Upon graduating from the program, RAF members are allowed to fly on U.S. Rivet Joints, called co-manning, until the U.K.'s RC-135 fleet reaches full operational capability.

So far, more than 20 have flown missions downrange alongside members of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth.

"It's great to have this RC-135 partnership with our best allies," said. Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th WG commander. "We've learned a lot working with them and so it's been a mutually beneficial relationship."

RAF Airmen currently in the training program were ecstatic to meet Bryant face-to-face and to talk about the RJ's capabilities.

"It's very nice to have him come here and take a direct interest in what we're doing," RAF Flt. Lt. Bob Watts, a student with the 338th Combat Training Squadron here.

"It was a great morale boost," said RAF Sgt. Mark Rushforth, who is going through RC-135 maintenance training with the 55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "It was also a good opportunity to voice any concerns we had in regards to our training or welfare and also to tell him how accommodating everyone has been here."

Bryant assumed the position as the RAF's commander-in-chief air command in May 2010. He is responsible for generating all RAF air power, for developing capabilities and achieving precise campaign effects across the spectrum of operations, whenever and wherever they are required by the U.K.

He said throughout his career he's enjoyed his time working with the U.S. and this joint venture is very exciting for everyone involved.

"(The U.S. military) has always been the most fantastic and generous of professional teammates," he said. "But it's been even more evident over the past 20 years or so since we've been conducting operations together in various locations around the world."

Bacon said the 55th WG is honored to have the RAF here as part of Team Offutt.

"The RAF has been wonderful hosts to us in the U.K. for decades," he said, "and we at Offutt feel blessed to return some of that hospitality back to our great friends."

The 55th WG expects to continue training RAF personnel through 2013.