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World Defense & Security News - United States
 
 
USAF deploys KC-135 tanker aircraft in France to support Operation Juniper Micron
 
Three KC-135 Stratotankers along with 50 Airmen from the USAF 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF 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 OJM at their request since 2013, providing air refueling and airlift support of French operations in Mali and North Africa.
     
USAF deploys KC 135 tanker aircraft in France to support Operation Juniper Micron 640 001KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 100th Air Refueling Wing 
(Credit: USAF/Senior Airman Teresa Hawkins)
     
Since January 2013, 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 our French ally 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 USAFE-AFAFRICA assets and the ability to move forward quickly in support of French operations.

We will continue to provide the same level of support to our French allies from Istres that we have since support operations began in 2013.