History of RAF Mildenhall in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

RAF Mildenhall is a prominent Royal Air Force station located in Suffolk, England. Although owned by the British Ministry of Defence, it is primarily operated by the United States Air Force. Currently serving as the main operating base for the 100th Air Refueling Wing, the site plays a critical role in global aerial refueling and strategic operations. Throughout its history, dating back to 1934, the base has been instrumental in various military conflicts and humanitarian missions. It is perhaps best known for its significant contributions during the Cold War and its ongoing function as a key hub for U.S. air power in Europe. With its extensive runway facilities and strategic location, RAF Mildenhall remains a cornerstone of the U.S.-U.K. defense partnership, facilitating rapid deployment and sustainment for American and NATO forces across multiple theaters of operation.

17 July 1959: SAC and USAFE Operational Agreement

On 17 July 1959, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) reached a formal agreement to significantly expand the authority of the Third Air Force regarding the operational management of USAF units stationed within the United Kingdom.

1929: Government land acquisition for RAF Mildenhall

In 1929, the British government officially purchased the land that would eventually become the RAF Mildenhall bomber base to address perceived continental security threats.

1931: Completion of initial RAF Mildenhall buildings

Construction at the site progressed with the completion of the first buildings in 1931, setting the infrastructure for the future bomber base.

October 1934: MacRobertson Air Race at RAF Mildenhall

On 20 October 1934, RAF Mildenhall hosted the prestigious MacRobertson Air Race, a record-breaking long-distance aviation event that drew 70,000 spectators and a royal visit from King George V and Queen Mary. Pilots Tom Campbell Black and C. W. A. Scott emerged as the winners, completing the flight to Melbourne in under 72 hours.

October 1934: Official opening of RAF Mildenhall

On October 16, 1934, RAF Mildenhall was officially opened as a major bomber station for the Royal Air Force, with Wing Commander Francis Linnell taking command as the first station commander.

1935: King George V Silver Jubilee Review

In 1935, King George V conducted a formal review of 350 aircraft stationed at RAF Mildenhall to celebrate his Silver Jubilee, an event now memorialized by a plaque at the 100th Air Refueling Wing headquarters.

September 1938: Initiation of Airfield Defence Systems

In September 1938, RAF Mildenhall began the installation of its comprehensive defence systems to address the growing threats identified during the Munich Crisis.

September 1939: Outbreak of War and First Combat Mission

On September 3, 1939, following the declaration of war against Germany, three Vickers Wellington aircraft from No. 149 Squadron departed from RAF Mildenhall to conduct a bombing raid on the German naval fleet at Wilhelmshaven.

October 1939: Completion of Airfield Defences

By October 1939, RAF Mildenhall successfully finalized the installation of its defence systems, ensuring the base reached full combat readiness in the face of escalating war.

April 1941: Filming of Target for Tonight at Mildenhall

During April 1941, RAF Mildenhall served as a filming location for the movie 'Target for Tonight,' which depicted the planning and execution of a bomber raid on Germany. To maintain operational security, the base was temporarily referred to as 'Millerton Aerodrome' to hide its true identity from enemy forces.

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1945: Reduction of RAF Mildenhall Operational Activity

By the end of 1945, RAF Mildenhall experienced a significant decrease in operational activity following the post-war missions of Operation Exodus and Operation Manna, leading the base to be placed into a care and maintenance status.

1945: End of World War II Operations

In 1945, RAF Mildenhall concluded its service as an operational combat base for the RAF Bomber Command, marking the end of its wartime utilization.

July 1950: Activation of the 7511th Air Base Group

In July 1950, the 7511th Air Base Group, later known as the 3910th Air Base Group, was activated at RAF Mildenhall to ready the installation for Strategic Air Command operational use.

July 1950: Reopening as Joint USAF-RAF Base

On July 11, 1950, after being on standby status post-war, the base was reopened as a joint operation facility between the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force.

May 1951: SAC Assumption of Control and Operational Deployment

On 1 May 1951, Strategic Air Command assumed control of RAF Mildenhall to manage rotating bomb wings. Subsequently, on 4 May 1951, the 2nd Bomb Wing arrived at the facility on temporary duty from Hunter Air Force Base, marking the first time the airfield supported strategic operations with the Boeing B-50D Superfortress.

1951: Arrival of B-50 Superfortresses

In 1951, the base was assigned to the Strategic Air Command and began hosting B-50 Superfortress aircraft for its operations.

1953: Redesignation of RAF Mildenhall Mission

In 1953, the mission of RAF Mildenhall was transitioned from a B-50 bomber airfield to a KC-97 Stratofreighter aerial tanker dispersal base, established to provide support for Boeing B-47 Stratojet aircraft stationed at RAF Fairford.

1953: Deployment of KC-97 Stratofreighters

Starting in 1953, the facility commenced hosting KC-97 Stratofreighters, continuing this operational support until 1958.

1958: Establishment of United Kingdom Passenger Terminal

During 1958, RAF Mildenhall became the designated location for the United Kingdom Passenger Terminal, which was placed under the management of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS).

1958: Relocation of Military Air Transport Service Terminal

In 1958, the Military Air Transport Service relocated its primary United Kingdom terminal to RAF Mildenhall, shifting operational focus.

November 1965: Arrival of Silk Purse Control Group and 7120th ACCS

On 15 November 1965, RAF Mildenhall became the new home for the Silk Purse Control Group and the 7120th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, which relocated from Chateauroux Air Station. The squadron transitioned from the Douglas C-118 to the Boeing EC-135 to support Operation Silk Purse as airborne command posts.

July 1966: Arrival of the 513th Troop Carrier Wing at RAF Mildenhall

On 1 July 1966, the 513th Troop Carrier Wing relocated from Evreux-Fauville Air Base in France to RAF Mildenhall, gaining operational control over C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and EC-135H command and control aircraft.

1967: Departure of Headquarters No. 3 Group

In 1967, the base saw the final departure of its last significant RAF unit, Headquarters No. 3 Group, which had been stationed there as part of Bomber Command until that year.

May 1969: The theft and disappearance of a C-130E Hercules

In May 1969, Sergeant Paul Meyer, an aircraft mechanic suffering from homesickness, stole a Hercules C-130E transporter from RAF Mildenhall and attempted to fly to Virginia, but ultimately crashed into the English Channel.

June 1972: Arrival of Headquarters Third Air Force

In June 1972, RAF Mildenhall expanded its operational capabilities by welcoming the Headquarters Third Air Force, which officially relocated to the base from South Ruislip.

1976: Arrival of Detachment 4, 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing

In 1976, Detachment 4 of the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing arrived at RAF Mildenhall to manage rotational operations for U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird aircraft.

July 1978: Transfer of the 306th Strategic Wing to RAF Mildenhall

In July 1978, the 306th Strategic Wing of the Strategic Air Command was relocated to RAF Mildenhall from Ramstein Air Base. This transition included the establishment of air refueling and reconnaissance missions, with the 306th SW assuming the role of the host unit for all SAC operations within Europe.

January 1990: Departure of the final SR-71 Blackbird

On 18 January 1990, the last SR-71 Blackbird departed from RAF Mildenhall, marking the end of an era during which these aircraft were iconic symbols of the base.

February 1992: Transition of Host Unit at RAF Mildenhall

On February 1, 1992, the 100th Air Refueling Wing of USAFE officially replaced the 306th Strategic Wing as the host unit at RAF Mildenhall. This transition included the establishment of the Headquarters European Tanker Task Force, which utilized KC-135 Stratotankers to maintain operations.

May 1993: Announcement of RAF Alconbury Drawdown

In May 1993, it was announced that the majority of the USAF base at RAF Alconbury would be returned to the British Ministry of Defence as part of the broader military drawdown in Europe.

March 1995: Transfer of 352nd Special Operations Group to RAF Mildenhall

In March 1995, the 352nd Special Operations Group, along with their specialized aircraft fleet, completed their transfer from RAF Alconbury to RAF Mildenhall.

2003: 491st Air Expeditionary Group Operations During the Iraq Invasion

During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the 491st Air Expeditionary Group, along with its subordinate aeromedical evacuation and airlift squadrons, conducted operations from RAF Mildenhall utilizing Lockheed C-141C Starlifter aircraft.

May 2005: Activation of 501st Combat Support Wing

On May 2005, the 501st Combat Support Wing was officially activated at RAF Mildenhall to serve as a non-flying administrative and operational unit for several other Air Base Groups.

May 2007: Relocation of 501st Combat Support Wing

The 501st Combat Support Wing completed a transition away from RAF Mildenhall, moving its base of operations to RAF Alconbury on May 2007.

January 2015: US Department of Defense Announces Withdrawal from RAF Mildenhall

On January 8, 2015, the U.S. Department of Defense announced the withdrawal from RAF Mildenhall as part of the European Infrastructure Consolidation (EIC) programme, with the goal of saving $500 million annually across European operations.

January 2015: Announcement of RAF Mildenhall Base Closure

On January 8, 2015, the United States Department of Defense declared that RAF Mildenhall would cease its operations, with plans to relocate personnel and assets to Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and other locations in the United Kingdom.

January 2016: UK Government Announces Sale of RAF Mildenhall Site

In January 2016, following the proposed U.S. withdrawal, the UK government identified RAF Mildenhall as one of twelve Ministry of Defence sites slated for sale as part of a wider estate management strategy.

April 2018: Initiation of underwater search for missing aircraft

In April 2018, the research group Deeper Dorset announced a mission to locate the wreckage of the stolen Hercules C-130E using sonar technology in the English Channel.

July 2020: Cancellation of Base Relocation Plans

In July 2020, following a period of organizational uncertainty, it was officially confirmed that the previously announced relocation of operations away from RAF Mildenhall would no longer proceed.

June 2021: President Joe Biden visits RAF Mildenhall

In June 2021, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden arrived at RAF Mildenhall aboard Air Force One to participate in the 47th G7 summit and attend a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II. During this visit in June 2021, the President addressed the troops stationed at the base.

April 2023: E-4B Nightwatch Arrival at RAF Mildenhall

In April 2023, an E-4B Nightwatch aircraft, using the callsign GRIM99, conducted a flight over Wales before landing at RAF Mildenhall during the period of President Joe Biden's diplomatic visit to Ireland.

2024: Drone Incursions at RAF Mildenhall

Between 20 November and 25 November 2024, RAF Mildenhall experienced multiple incursions by unidentified unmanned aerial systems (UASs). These drone sightings prompted a response involving F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets and the deployment of the ORCUS C-UAS system by the RAF Regiment to secure the area.