One of the Air Force Central Command (AFCENT) leadership’s priorities is to develop and strengthen relationships with coalition partners. The U.K. detachment serving with the386th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) continues to be a strong ally in the fight against terrorists groups in the region. On June 2, 2016, the 386 AEW had the honor of hosting Penny Mordaunt, the U.K Minister of State for the Armed Forces, as she personally visited and inspected the U.K. detachment and its MQ-9 Reapers. Minister Mordaunt recognizes the importance of coalition partnerships while working to defeat Daesh.

“All of the consolidated work being done to defeat Daesh is hugely important,” stated Mordaunt. “Working together, we are seeing Daesh lose territory and the U.K. military is having an important impact both in the air and through training on the ground.”

The visit provided Mordaunt an opportunity to tour various U.K. assets in the region to include the Reapers. Another goal of her visit was to better understand the U.K. military’s working conditions.

“It is incredibly useful for me to meet with the men and women here to get a full understanding of what they are doing and the conditions in which they operate,” stated Mordaunt. “I think it is also hugely important that government ministers continue to show our appreciation for the personnel posted at a wide range of locations across the globe.”

The U.K. military personnel provided Minister Mordaunt with thorough briefings and meetings throughout the visit. The minister also recognized the efforts of U.K. military personnel and was appreciative of the sacrifices of the coalition personnel serving away from home.

“I am impressed by the professionalism and skill shown by the men and women serving at this base,” stated Mordaunt. “They are posted away from their friends and family which I know can be hard, but they can be assured they are providing a critical part of the fight against Daesh and it is hugely appreciated by the British public.”