Another cold saturday morning on the mound. McConnell based KC-135 on finals.

On final approach in the clear skies.

The heavy winds during the week were still causing problems and a number of aircraft made late missed approaches.

Resident 100th ARW '135 on the 23 approach.

A few seconds later.

The next tanker landing caught windshear and the left wing dropped...

....followed by the right, the crew reported a large drop in airspeed.

Second approach was better.

Another 100th ARW tanker landing, the third on that Saturday morning.

First of the three to go. Rumour has it they swapped runways because the army of photographers who had gathered that saturday morning expected a 29 departure like their accompanying tanker.

The second of the trio was a two-seat F-16D model. Like some other recent export sales, the Polish twin sticks have a enlarged spine for a increased electronic warfare role.

The spine can be seen clearer here. In hindsight I think I preferred the take-off from the other end as they were still quite low when went past us. Makes you wonder why they bothered to play games as Mildenhall should know by now they are not going to intimidate enthusiasts.

The final Viper on departure. I shot about 20 on each climb out yet only a couple had the aircraft full frame and sharp - they came off fast!

The nearest shot before I lost them. The smaller pod is not a fuel tank but a baggage pod for the pilots gear.

Ohio Air National Guard KC-135R arriving at Mildenhall. It appears to carry a badge on the forward fuselage.

A little while later another tanker on the 29 approach.

Yet another McConnell AFB jet.

100th ARW tanker turning onto 29 on a friday afternoon.

One of two tankers on the circuit. The weather was variable.

On approach.

All current 100th ARW tankers carry nose art. Until recently, each airframe carried a different badge but now all show the same.

Another C-17 Globemaster arriving from its trip across the Atlantic. This one is from the 62nd AW at McChord AFB.

Rather than being shot from the mound, this was shot from the roadside in Mildenhall town as it turned up unexpected.

A rare opportunity to catch a C-5 Galaxy, in this case a C-5B from Travis AFB.

Grand Forks based KC-135R inbound on another friday afternoon.

This is another jet with wing tip mounted drogue pods.

He was actually a emergency divert and landed on three engines after departing Germany.

Another Special Operation Group MC-130 in the circuit.

C-21 Learjet based in Germany with a smart tail stripe.

This KC-135R is from the Seymour-Johnson based reserve unit. Back in 1996 I visited this unit as it was forming. Note the 'First in flight' tail stripe honouring the Wright Brothers flight in North Carolina.

Air National Guard C-130 turning onto runway 29 at Mildenhall. Shot from the far side at long distance - hence the stopped props.

Canadair Challenger on approach into Mildenhall.

This is a Federal Aviation Administration aircraft and carries very restrained markings. The FAA is the American equivalent of our own CAA.

It was believed the aircraft was in the UK for calibration of the USAF bases landing aids and had been to Fairford that afternoon.

Second time I've caught this 100th ARW tanker inside a month. Don't they fly any others....?

Another visiting C-130 on the way home.

Turkish Air Force C-130 inbound to Mildenhall late on a sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, the sun was right at the six o'clock position so the angles are not good.

Another C-17 inbound to Mildenhall.

A McChord based Globemaster this time.

One of several 100th ARW tankers on the circuit at Mildenhall on a misty friday afternoon.

The next one, at one point there was five KC-135R's in the circuit.

And the next one!

Finally! The 100th's flagship finally caught in some sun.

A close up of the fin showing the extra markings. Note the matching serial.

Following morning and a MacDill based tanker arriving on the 29 approach.

A very lucky catch, although I didn't know it at the time. A USN P-3C orion arriving a short time later. The underslung pod was a unknown at the time.

New 100th ARW tanker in shortly afterwards.

The same Orion departing later after a quick refuel. The pod is known as a Littoral Surveillance Radar System.

Apparently this was the first time a Orion had been photographed outside the US fitted with the pod. The pods had been seen fitted to rare, unmarked civilian operated Orions out of Dallas Love Field in the USA. Stories circulate these are actually operated by the CIA.

At first it was thought the markings were bogus but now it is believed this is the real USN Orion 161132.

352nd SOG MC-130P on the overshoot from the mound at the 29 end.

With the other main C-130 variant flown by the unit, the MC-130H not far behind.

Tight turn onto 29.

92nd ARW tanker coming in on a 'Reach' transport flight. As well as tanking, many KC-135R/Ts conduct transatlantic transport flights.

More KC-135s arrive at Milenhall on these missions than dedicated C-17/C-5 transport aircraft.

Travis AFB based C-17A arriving late in the afternoon. Is still carrying the 'lets roll' dedication on the nose for 9.11 which was originally applied to one aircraft from every USAF unit.

Globemaster was bringing in the NASA support for the following WB-57 that was expected.

Finally, the NASA WB-57 which was making it's third visit in three years. The high profile tail markings had been removed leading to much speculation as to the reason for it's visit.

Taken at maximum zoom, down the runway - the aircraft's massive wingspan is clearly evident.

Five MH-53M Pave Low's landing back at Mildenhall at the end of their farewell flight.

A tradition from the airlines, base fire services giving the aircraft a water arch as they taxi in from their final flight.

The 21st Special Operation's Squadron break towards the camera at the end of their 'Dover tour' and farewell flight. Under various unit designations, H-53's have operated in the UK for 27 years.

351st ARS in the circuit. Usually a sign it's going to be quiet.

A long wait on a chilly afternoon, but the RC-135U finally arrived in the sun.

With their glossy finish, white tops and various lumps and bumps, these always look good in the light.