What
48th Fighter Wing, USAF's only fully operational Fighter Wing to operate the F-15C as well as the F-15E.

Where
Lakenheath & Mildenhall, United Kingdom.

When
8-9 February 2011.

Objective
To create awareness of current 48th Fighter Wing operations and to emphasize the importance of its presence in Europe even decades after the Cold War has ended.


Photo opportunity
Air-to-air refueling mission onboard a 100th ARW KC-135R Stratotanker involving six F-15Cs, as well as photo opportunities on the flightline.


Gathering of information
Interviews with pilots flying the F-15C, F-15E and HH-60G.


Article quotes
"Despite USAF budget cuts and major reorganizations in the F-15 community, operations by the 'Statue of Liberty Wing' are going stronger than ever. With an arsenal of around 80 fighter jets and five helicopters it is arguably one of the most powerful aerial forces in Europe, if not the single most potent."

"Although the Fighter Wing was established in an era totally different from today, fairly recent events like the 1999 Kosovo air campaign (during which Strike Eagles flew sorties from Lakenheath to Yugoslavia and back) and the 9/11 attacks (when 48th FW F-15E’s were among the first to deploy to Central Asia) have shown its presence still serves an important purpose in this part of the world."

Response
"Congrats on the article and thanks for telling our story."
     LtCol Darrin 'DB' Dronoff, commander 748th AMXS