by Staff Sgt. Karina Jennings
RAF MILDENHALL, England (AFNS) -- The Air Force vice chief of staff recently visited here to fly with the 95th Reconnaissance and 488th Intelligence Squadrons aboard their unique RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft.
According to Gen. Thomas S. Moorman Jr., he wanted to fly in the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, Rivet Joint, because it's one of the high operations tempo aircraft in the Air Force.
The Rivet Joint aircraft, owned and operated by the 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., provides direct, near real-time reconnaissance information and electronic warfare support to theater commanders and combat forces.
In support of the 55th, the 95th RS operates out of Mildenhall and provides pilots and navigators to fly the aircraft. The 488th IS provides the intelligence people who work in the back of the plane.
Due to the participation in Operations Deny Flight, Joint Endeavor and Decisive Edge by both squadrons, the general wanted to learn more about their contributions to theater activities.
"I've always been very interested in the Rivet Joint operation," said Moorman. "I was particularly interested in finding out a little bit more about the mission, and the stresses and strains (these squadrons' members) have by being TDY and flying so much." Since the beginning of Operation Joint Endeavor Dec. 21, the 95th and 488th have flown 625 hours and 72 sorties together in support of the peacekeeping operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The general added that with U.S. Air Forces in Europe's high "ops" tempo, quality of life issues at overseas locations are becoming more of a priority for the Air Force. "For several years, we were in a drawdown and a 'return to the United States' mentality. I believe that trend has reversed and the overseas theaters are becoming increasingly important," Moorman said.
"But as we go to that, I think it's extremely important that we worry about quality of life issues for people overseas, particularly in Europe. In England, that means housing and making sure military construction in the budget supports the ops tempo over here."
The general said he would've liked to have spent more time here, but the visit, although short, was beneficial. "I'm going to feel more comfortable going back and talking about the operations in USAFE and especially the operations of Rivet Joint," said Moorman. "I was very impressed with the (Rivet Joint) crew, both the front end and back end. They work awfully hard up there, and they're a valued resource to the Air Force." (SSgt. Jennings is assigned to 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs)