Mildenhall KC-135s support French operation

Airmen arrive at Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, France, in support of Operation Juniper Micron Feb. 21, 2016. Since 2013, the U.S has been supporting the French government in Operation Juniper Micron by providing air refueling and airlift support of French operations in Mali and North Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Erin Trower)

By Capt. Lauren Ott, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Three KC-135 Stratotankers, along with 50 Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, temporarily deployed to Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, France, in support of Operation Juniper Micron.

The U.S. has been supporting the French government in Operation Juniper Micron at their request since 2013, providing air refueling and airlift support of French operations in Mali and North Africa.

Since December 2015 alone, the 100th ARW has flown more than 750 sorties, refueled more than 2,900 French aircraft, and off-loaded nearly 28 million pounds of fuel while supporting French operations.

The strategic decision to temporarily deploy the KC-135s to Istres is the result of the continual evaluation of how to best support French ally forces in the air and on the ground.

The long-standing relationship between the U.S. and France enables operational success by allowing a forward-based presence of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa assets and the ability to move forward quickly in support of French operations.

Deployed Mildenhall jet receives black-letter status

Members of the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron pose in front the black-letter jet, a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to RAF Mildenhall but forward-deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain, Oct. 13, 2013. Tail number 63-8027 attained black-letter status when it reported zero discrepancies. This is the first black-letter jet assigned to RAF Mildenhall since 2006. (Photo courtesy of 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron)

by Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston, 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- A black-letter jet in the Air Force is equivalent to the sighting of a unicorn among a herd of horses.

Rarely talked about, and even less witnessed, is an aircraft which has zero discrepancies. Because of its rarity, earning "black-letter jet" status is a coveted achievement. For most, to be a part of the process is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - spoken about in reverent tones and fondly recalled as a highlight in one's career.

This achievement now belongs to a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to RAF Mildenhall. The jet, tail number 63-8027, currently deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain, is the first black-letter jet assigned here in seven years.

"The last black-letter aircraft we had at (RAF) Mildenhall was in 2006; this one is especially noteworthy as it happened at a deployed location with limited resources and personnel," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Charissa Cherrington, 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron commander.

The tanker, originally maintained by the 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, continually received routine maintenance and quality assurance checks from the 351st EARS maintenance section. It was while forward-deployed to Moron AB where the aircraft received its coveted status. Upon confirmation of being a black-letter jet, U.S. Air Force Col. Nancy Bozzer, 100th Operations Group commander, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Rofelio Grinston, 100th AMXS commander, flew to Moron and personally congratulated the crew who made it possible.

The crew received a personalized plaque, which is proudly displayed in their squadron. Additionally, the crew were presented a Spanish tile, screen printed with a group photo in front of their jet, presented by members of the host base. The tile will be displayed inside the jet to commemorate the achievement. The accomplishment also belonged to the host base as well as U.S. Marines, who also provided assistance.

Achieving zero maintenance write-ups may sound simple. However, on a highly-complex, 50-year-old airframe, it's anything but simple. Even the smallest repair, such as a burned out light bulb, will result in a maintenance discrepancy -- thus keeping the aircraft from qualifying for black-letter status. For any aircraft, albeit one as old as this particular jet, achieving black-letter status is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the maintenance crew assigned to it.