Now that peace may have returned to the Balkans, it may also return to the normally sleepy lanes of Gloucestershire with the cessation of bombing operations from Fairford.

This decade has seen three occasions on which the giant bombers have been despatched into enemy territory from the base, and with a $100 million refurbishment to the runways and taxiways planned it is unlikely that it will be the last...

But for now we can reflect on the last eighty days or so, and look forward to the more routine activity of the Royal International Air Tattoo next month.

60-020 of the 20th BS takes off on another mission, Kosovo bound. The 20th BS is part of the 2nd BW from Barksdale AFB.

Bombing missions have been supported by KC-135s from the 22nd ARS of the 366th Wing, normally based at Mountain Home AFB.

As well as the 20th BS, the 23rd BS also operated from Fairford, as shown by 60-033, here also loaded with iron bombs. The 23rd is part of the 5th BW from Minot AFB.