The once unarmed recce mission continues to be so attractive (to me). Intell directs recce bird FIRST IN for exact targeting purposes, bird take pictures of target(s), bird return to base, ground crew develops the wet film, commanders assess target, necessary data transferred to the bombers squadrons, recce bird take-off again - following the wave of bombers - to execute the battle damage assessment mission, so LAST OUT! The PR9 of the Royal Air Force had that great mission. This Canberra PR9 was assigned to No,1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, operating out of RAF Wyton.

An Unusual Boeing N2S-5 Stearman Kaydet (E75) with a cockpit canopy, what a beautiful aircraft! Pictured during the USAFE open house at Alconbury in its original livery.

From 180th Avn Co, based in West Germany.

TCA was the all-weather training and conversion unit for pilots transferring to F-16 duties.

One of a small number of USAFE C-130Es in sand camouflage, from 435 TAW based at Rhein-Main AFB, Frankfurt.

On static display. Early morning, before the barriers were put up.

Sunday afternoon arrival at Mildenhall.

From 657 Squadron, Army Air Corps.

On its 60-day assignment from its home base of Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, to Mildenhall. Powering up and flaps up for a go-around on runway 29.

From 657 Sq., AAC.

From 25th Avn Co, on static display under a cloudless early morning sky.

Flown by 4 FTS, RAF Valley, in red/white training livery. I arrived at this USAF Open Day very early and found the gates already open, and the static aircraft parked without barriers. Excellent!