USAF cancels its 'thank you' day

The air show at RAF Mildenhall has already been cancelled

The US Air Force at Mildenhall has called off a Community Appreciation Day planned instead of its normal air fete.

The event in June was to show the Suffolk base's thanks for support from local people after its air show was cancelled for the fouth year running.

Col Richard Devereaux said new cuts to help pay the rising costs of the global war on terrorism had forced them to take the "disappointing decision".

"The most recent cuts have given me no choice," he said.

Col Devereaux, 100th Air Refuelling Wing commander, said RAF Mildenhall's first commitment was to support the war on terrorism.

"We sincerely appreciate the support of our British friends and neighbours in the local community and I am truly disappointed that the Community Appreciation Day will be cancelled.

"Hundreds of our people have invested thousands of hours planning the event, mostly on their own time, and unfortunately will not be able to enjoy the benefits of that work," he said.