OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Congressman Don Bacon, Nebraska 2nd District, and U.K. parliament members Ms. Charlotte Owen, Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge and Mr. Peter Bedford, MP for Mid Leicestershire, visited Offutt Air Force Base on July 26, 2025.
“Taking the two MP’s to Offutt is more than just official business for me. It is always good for leaders to see how we work hand-in hand with our allies, and I am thrilled to take them to the base I called home three different times,” said Rep. Bacon. “The RAF-USAF partnership in the RC-135 RIVET JOINT mission is one of my proudest accomplishments when I served in the Air Force. This is a great opportunity for the MPs to visit with some of their British airmen serving in Nebraska."
The visit consisted of an unclassified briefing highlighting the partnership between U.S. and U.K. troops as well as a tour of a RIVET JOINT.
“It was a privilege to visit Offutt Air Force Base and see the vital work undertaken jointly by the British and American forces of the 55th Wing, seeing the special relationship in action,” said Owen. “I was honored to be able to chat with both the British and American aviators and their air crew to understand the sacrifice they make to protect our countries. There really is no relationship more important than that of the United States to the United Kingdom.”
The RC-135 RIVET JOINT, designated as an Airseeker by the Royal Air Force, is used for electronic surveillance and intelligence gathering, primarily for strategic and tactical missions. The only difference between the two planes is that the U.S. versions have a coffee maker and the U.K. versions have a teapot.
"It was a privilege to visit Offutt Airbase with Congressman Bacon. The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring,” said Bedford. “It was great to see the ongoing collaboration between American and British service personnel during our visit to Nebraska."
Offutt has been collaborating with the RAF since 2011on this program and is forecasted to continue through at least 2035. Offutt will host nearly 300 RAF members this year for training, cooperative meetings, co-manning flights, and immersions.
“Our integration with the Royal Air Force showcases the 55th Wing’s commitment to world-wide partnerships and force projection,” said Col. Aaron Gray, 55th Wing commander. “Our UK personnel learn while leaving a lasting impact on Offutt Air Force Base and its operations. The 55th Wing was grateful to host the MPs and discuss collaboration and continued support.”
The British American Parliamentary Group exchange program is an annual initiative, commenced in 1977, to promote friendly relations and mutual understanding between the two nations. Through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, this annual exchange welcomes British Members of Parliament (MPs) to the United States to explore U.S. politics and the legislative process at both federal and state levels.