Standing ovation for US vice president JD Vance during his first visit to RAF Fairford base
US troops and their families greeted the US vice president with a standing ovation as he addressed them on a visit to RAF Fairford.
JD Vance spoke in front of the iconic U-2 Dragon Lady plane, used by the US Air Force for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
During his first-ever visit to the RAF base – which has been used by USAF nearly continuously since it was first built for D-Day operations in 1944 – Mr Vance said President Donald Trump wanted to bring peace to Europe again, ahead of key talks on the war in Ukraine.
The vice president, who has been on holiday in the Cotswolds, spoke highly of America's relationship with the UK, which he said "cuts across political parties".
"We've got a beautiful country here, we've got a beautiful alliance," he said. "For over 100 years, we have worked with our friends from the United Kingdom to achieve great victories.
"If you look at the long sweep of history, every time something big happens for the world, every time a great victory is won for freedom and for peace and for prosperity, it is almost always the Brits and the Americans that do it together, and we win every single time we go to war together."
Mr Vance also addressed the wider issue of partnering with the UK on global peace and security matters.
"When we work together, when we fight together, when we make it clear that we always approach every situation with an open hand – but if things go poorly, we're willing to do what we have to do – we make it easier to achieve peace and prosperity all over the world," he said.
While visiting the UK on a private break, Mr Vance has also held several informal meetings, including a fishing trip with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
"Over the past couple of days, I've met with a number of leaders across the UK, across political parties, across the generations, because that's one of the great things about the UK's special relationship with the United States is it cuts across political alliances, it cuts across political parties, it cuts across generations, because we've been working together for, literally, centuries," he added.
RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire is home to troops from the US Air Force's 501st Combat Support Wing and the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, who welcomed the vice president.
"The Pathfinders of the 501st Combat Support Wing were honoured to host Vice President JD Vance and his family here at RAF Fairford," said Colonel Michael Jewell, Commander of 501st Combat Support Wing.
"This incredible opportunity showcased our truly talented airmen while demonstrating the strength and durability of our NATO partnership."
Mr Vance was briefed on the capabilities of RAF Fairford, which is also home to the famous Royal International Air Tattoo.
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