SecAF visits RAF Mildenhall

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett met with RAF Mildenhall Airmen and families and toured the installation for the first time, Feb. 13.

The 25th Secretary of the Air Force visited the air traffic control tower, fire station and various units within the 352 Special Operations Wing.

Barrett spoke to members of RAF Mildenhall about the team's mission, Air Force modernization and listened to their innovative ideas on how to improve the installation.

"This is a key base for the United States, and a key opportunity for us to work well with our allies and partners," Barrett said. "It's terrific to see the joint work that our Airmen are doing with the leadership from the United Kingdom and working from here on missions from many geographical locations."

Being the first Secretary of the Space Force and a trained astronaut, she emphasized the importance of developing the Defense Department's newest military branch.

"It is very exciting to be a part of the stand-up for the Space Force," Barrett said. "We all use space, but many people don't think about how much space plays a role in their lives. It's important for us to defend those assets that make our way of life possible. We need to be prepared to deter belligerent action in space."

Barrett also expressed her admiration for the people at RAF Mildenhall.

"I'd like to add my great appreciation for the men and women I've had the privilege to interact with," Barrett said. "From the extraordinarily innovative training, to the maintenance teams who have done great things, to the selfless operators who are flying in the aircraft. It's wonderful to see how well this base is operating."