News United States Air Force
 US airpower, integration on display at Royal International Air TattooPublished July 18, 2022
                        
                        By Maj. Joost Verduyn
                        
                        
                        U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa
                **ROYAL AIR FORCE BASE FAIRFORD, United Kingdom (AFNS) --**
                The U.S. Air Force sent 11 aircraft and more than 100 Airmen to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, UnitedKingdom, July 15-17, 2022.The event allowed theAir Force and **U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa**to integrate and engage with hundreds of Airmen from 31 nations,and about 200,000 visitors during the three-day military air show.Secretary of the Air Force **Frank Kendall**; U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff **Gen.CQ Brown, Jr.**; **U.S. Space Force**Chief of Space Operations**Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond**; and USAFE-AFAF Commander **Gen. James Hecker**were able to engage numerous counterparts from across the globe as well.“I’ve had the opportunity to talk with several of our allies here, because they are all coalesced in one area here at RIAT,” Hecker said. “We need to continue to work together to ensure our systems are designed to share information. As allies and partners, we need to be able to operate off a common operating picture.”Integration at the Royal International Air TattooThe U.S. Air Force sent 11 aircraft and more than 100 Airmen to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, July 15-17, 2022. The event allowed the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa to integrate and engage with hundreds of Airmen from 31 nations, as well as about 200,000 visitors during the three-day military air show. (Courtesy Photo)
            
            
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    Tom Cruise takes a photo.Tom Cruise stops for a photo with a young guest during the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, July 16, 2022. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Zima)
            
            
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    Aerial demo team performs behind a static aircraftThe United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, fly behind a CV-22 Osprey static display during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, July 15, 2022. The event, which showcased aircraft from across the globe, celebrated aviation’s past and present while inspiring the next generation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Andrejcik)
            
            
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“My biggest priority is to continue to build our partnerships across Europe and Africa,” Hecker continued. “Here in Europe, the F-35 is poised to be the backbone of many allied nations’ air forces and that provides great avenues for integration in the defense of our common values.”A**U.S. F-35 Lightning II**from the 48th Fighter Wing at**RAF Lakenheath**was on display while a U.K. F-35 performed for the crowd, highlighting the importance of F-35s to interoperability in Europe. Currently, there are approximately 120 F-35s in Europe across six countries. By the 2030s, it is expected that there will be more than 600 F-35s integrating together from more than 10 countries across the continent, including two full U.S. F-35 squadrons at RAF Lakenheath.“It’s great to be able to fly the F-35 alongside our partners,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. David Bown, 495th Fighter Squadron F-35 instructor pilot. “I’ve had the opportunity to fly with Norwegian, UK, Italian and Dutch F-35s. As more F-35s come into theater, we will have a very integrated air combat capability in Europe.”The Royal Air Force also highlighted and celebrated the U.S. Air Force’s**75th Anniversary**this year with a showcase of U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft including the F-35, two**F-16 Fighting Falcons**, and an**F-15E Strike Eagle**from bases across Europe. USAFE is also celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, calling back to the start of USAFE’s predecessor**Eighth Air Force**in 1942 in the U.K.Airshow attendees walk by an aircraftAttendees walk by a German A400M aircraft during the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, July 16, 2022. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Zima)
            
            
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    Airmen speak to patronsAirmen assigned to the U.S. Air Force 100th Air Refueling Wing speak with patrons during the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, July 15, 2022. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Andrejcik)
            
            
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    Judges evaluate static aircraftA team of judges, including U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeremy Stover, second from left, 420th Air Base Squadron commander, evaluate the static aircraft displays during the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, United Kingdom, July 15, 2022. The event, which showcased aircraft from across the globe, celebrated aviation’s past and present while inspiring the next generation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Zima)
            
            
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Also standing out at the air show was an **E-4B National Airborne Operations Center**, which provides highly survivable command, control and communications for U.S. military leadership to be able to direct military action through crisis. Its presence at RIAT marks the first overseas airshow the E-4B has ever joined.Also participating were two U.S refuelers, a**KC-135 Stratotanker**and a**KC-46 Pegasus**, as well as two special operations aircraft, the**CV-22 Osprey**and the**MC-130J Commando II**.  Lastly, the**U-2 Dragon Lady**was on display highlighting its longevity.FS 



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