The Royal Air Force Station Fairford, more commonly known as RAF Fairford, is a standby airfield for the United States Air Force. The 420th ABG and the 420th Air Base Squadron are presently responsible for the day to day operations of RAF Fairford, ensuring that it is provided with the resources it needs to meet command standards for mission execution..
RAF Fairford is also home to the largest air show in the world, the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), usually held in July. The show has a massive attendence in both crowds and aircraft. It attracts aircraft from air arms around the globe. Whilst the ticket price is high it is well worth every penny, some of which goes to the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.
The Tattoo of 2006 was the first for me for several years. We were greeted with spectacular sunshire all day. Plenty of sunscreen was applied whilst watching the extensive flying display. The vast static display took some time to walk around but was well worth the effort. Highlights of the day were the OV-22 Osprey, Typhoon displays and the USN FA-18E Super Hornet. 
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