U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe visited Team Mildenhall July 13, 2026, to engage with Airmen and highlight the critical roles the 100th Air Refueling Wing and the 352nd Special Operations Wing play in support of combatant command and Air Force operations across the European and neighboring theaters.
Throughout the visit, Wilsbach and Wolfe met with Airmen across the base to receive firsthand knowledge of mission capabilities, personnel readiness, and innovation. In addition to the one-on-one engagements, they also held an all-call to emphasize the impact Team Mildenhall's mission readiness and innovation have in operations across the globe.
"Combat credibility begins with readiness," Wilsbach said. "We owe our nation a force that's prepared and disciplined, sustained by the Airmen who stand ready to respond when the nation calls."
Wilsbach met with squadron commanders over lunch to discuss readiness and posture capabilities. Meanwhile, Wolfe had lunch with first sergeants to discuss issues Airmen are facing in their squadrons and the best ways to be a servant leader.
"One ask I have for all of you is to just go find someone to help, that's it," Wolfe said. "If you've been around long enough, you're going to go through some challenges. That's just how it goes. We can help you get through those the best way possible. You're not alone."
Engagements continued with a visit to the 352nd SOW where they received briefs from special tactics teams and small unmanned aerial systems advisors.
Innovation was at the forefront during the next stop when both senior leaders transitioned over to the RAF Mildenhall Royal Spark detachment. The local spark cell recently developed a tracker that helps Airmen pace themselves during their physical training tests.
"Royal Spark is an innovation office that operates at the behest of both wing commanders on the installation," said Master Sgt. Kyle Harmon, RAF Mildenhall Royal Spark process manager. "We are charged with both continuous improvement and innovation."
The new tracker has been well received. Across the force, other spark cells, squadrons, bases, and commands have reached out directly to learn how they can also start employing this tool. This development will further enable the force to more accurately assess fitness levels and ensure new Air Force physical standards are met.
At the conclusion of the visit, Wilsbach and Wolfe rallied the base for an all-call, where both leaders spoke about the importance of readiness, the current climate of the force, and the need for ongoing improvements. They expressed their gratitude to the Airmen of Team Mildenhall for their contributions to the nation and to global American airpower.
"It's just been amazing to see what happens when you're called upon to act," Wolfe said. "Even when you don't have all the information you may need to make decisions, you figure it out and make it happen as a team."
Wilsbach ended the all-call by speaking about the operational significance of RAF Mildenhall and expressed gratitude for Team Mildenhall's ongoing contribution to Air Force operations.
"We know the team here has been busy supporting real-world operations," Wilsbach said. "You've demonstrated you're ready, innovative and taking smart risk. I'm so proud of the work you're doing to support the mission."
