RAF Lakenheath

RAF Lakenheath, Brandon , Suffolk -

RAF Lakenheath is home to the 48th Fighter Wing, also known as the Liberty Wing. Assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe, it consists of the 492d Fighter Squadron, "Bolars" using F-15E, the 493d Fighter Squadron "The Grim Reapers" using F-15C/D, and the 494th Fighter Squadron "Panthers" again using the F-15E. Aircraft of the 48th FW carry the tail code "LN". The Liberty Wing is also home to the 56th RQS rescue squadron "Jolly Green Giants" using HH-60G Pave Hawks combat search and rescue helicopters. They have suffered some recent dark days with the loss of a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter after it suffered a bird strike at low level and crashed, killing all four crew members. An F-15D, 86-0182 belonging to the 493d Fighter Squadron jet was also lost in a separate incident after crashing into a field., and the pilot ejected safely.

I was lucky enough to be invited on to the base back in 2012 as guests of the 493rd "Grim Reapers" for one day, and the 492nd "Bolars" for the 2nd. A superb few days seeing the Liberty wing at work, and at play.

    Some footage of Lakenheath's finest at low level...Best viewed in 1080p HD

   

The classic climbing up towards the Bwlch head on shot...

 

Some of my favorite images from the "Roundabout" from various locations...

As you can see, they are a spectacular sight in the Welsh mountains and valleys...

Just before banking over into the Cadair Idris pass...

Have a look at the slideshow of the Strike Eagles from the "Roundabout"

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•