NationMaster - Encyclopedia: RAF Lakenheath

RAF Lakenheath (IATA: LKZ, ICAO: EGUL) is a NATO airfield located near Lakenheath in Suffolk, England. It is home to the United States Air Force 48th Fighter Wing. Also known as the Liberty Wing. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the United States armed forces and one of the seven uniformed services. ... Third Air Force was established in 1940 as the Southeast Air District to provide air defence for that part of continental United States, it also provided air defense and conducted combat training for personnel of newly formed units in World War II. After the war it served Tactical Air Command... Brigadier General is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually just above colonel and just below major general. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 609 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1000 Ã— 985 pixel, file size: 116 KB, MIME type: image/png) Other versions Vector: http://www. ... An IATA airport code, also known an IATA location identifier, IATA station code or simply a location identifier [1], is a three-letter code designating many airports around the world, defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). ... The ICAO (IPA pronunciation: ) airport code or location indicator is a four-letter alphanumeric code designating each airport around the world. ... The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the United States armed forces and one of the seven uniformed services. ... Lakenheath is a village in Suffolk, United Kingdom. ... The term above mean sea level (AMSL) refers to the elevation (on the ground) or altitude (in the air) of any object, relative to the average sea level. ... A foot (plural: feet or foot;[1] symbol or abbreviation: ft or, sometimes, â€² â€“ a prime) is a unit of length, in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... The metre (American English:meter) is a measure of length. ... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A foot (plural: feet or foot;[1] symbol or abbreviation: ft or, sometimes, â€² â€“ a prime) is a unit of length, in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... The metre (American English:meter) is a measure of length. ... Concrete being poured, raked and vibrated into place in residential construction in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ... Asphalt is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most crude petroleums and in some natural deposits. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2549x1752, 483 KB) F-15C Eagle (identifier 86-0175/LN), of the United States Air Force, taxis for takeoff at the Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2549x1752, 483 KB) F-15C Eagle (identifier 86-0175/LN), of the United States Air Force, taxis for takeoff at the Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England. ... An IATA airport code, also known an IATA location identifier, IATA station code or simply a location identifier [1], is a three-letter code designating many airports around the world, defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). ... The ICAO (IPA pronunciation: ) airport code or location indicator is a four-letter alphanumeric code designating each airport around the world. ... NATO 2002 Summit in Prague. ... Lakenheath is a village in Suffolk, United Kingdom. ... Suffolk (pronounced ) is a large historic and modern non-metropolitan county in East Anglia, England. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() â€“ on the European continent() â€“ in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Government Constitutional monarchy - Monarch Queen Elizabeth II... The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the United States armed forces and one of the seven uniformed services. ... Statue of Liberty Wing Emblem Subdued version The 48th Fighter Wing, formerly 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, was part of the United States Air Force Third Air Force, now assigned to HQ Air Command Europe, is based at RAF Lakenheath, England and is the only F-15 unit based in Europe. ...

48th Fighter Wing

The 48th Fighter Wing is also designated the Air Force’s Statue of Liberty Wing, and is the only USAF wing with both a numerical designation and an official name. Since its activation at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base France on 10 July 1952 the Liberty Wing has been one of the premier fighter wings of the United States Air Forces in Europe, spending its over 50-year existence as part of USAFE. The 48th FW has nearly 5,700 active-duty military members, 2,000 British and U.S. civilians, and includes a geographically separated unit at nearby RAF Feltwell. Statue of Liberty Wing Emblem Subdued version The 48th Fighter Wing, formerly 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, was part of the United States Air Force Third Air Force, now assigned to HQ Air Command Europe, is based at RAF Lakenheath, England and is the only F-15 unit based in Europe. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... 2003 Aerial Photo of Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base (IATA: XCW, ICAO: LFJA) is a former United States Air Force base in France. ... is the 191st day of the year (192nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1952 (MCMLII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ... Emblem of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. ... RAF Feltwell is a Royal Air Force station in East Anglia that is currently used by the United States Air Forces Europe. ...

In addition to supporting three combat-ready squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft, the Liberty Wing houses the 56th Rescue Squadron’s HH-60G Combat Search and Rescue helicopters. For the game, see F-15 Strike Eagle (computer game) The F-15E Strike Eagle is a modern United States all-weather strike fighter, designed for long-range interdiction of enemy ground targets deep behind enemy lines. ... The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle is an all-weather tactical fighter designed to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. ... United States Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter The primary function of the Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is to conduct day or night operations into hostile environments to recover downed aircrew or other isolated personnel during war. ...

RAF Lakenheath and its sister base RAF Mildenhall are the two main U.S. Air Force-operated base in United Kingdom, and the 48th Fighter Wing is the only U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) F-15 fighter wing. Tail of a 100ARW Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker, Serial 58-0100, displaying the crest of RAF Mildenhall and the historic SquareD badge as used by the unit during the second world war RAF Mildenhall (IATA: MHZ, ICAO: EGUN) is a Royal Air Force station located at Mildenhall in Suffolk...

Nuclear Weapons Storage

Part of the 48th FW mission is the deployment of about 110 tactical B61 nuclear bombs using F-15E aircraft. The B61 nuclear bombs are stored in vaults inside the base's Hardened Aircraft Shelters using the WS3 Weapon Storage and Security System, and are the only tactical nuclear weapons still stored in the United Kingdom.^[1]^[2] The US government's official policy is to not confirm or deny the presence of these weapons. B61 bomb in various stages of assembly. ... A Hardened Aircraft Shelter (HAS), or Protective Aircraft Shelter (PAS), is a structure which houses and protects military aircraft from enemy attack. ... Weapon Storage Security System (W3S) is a marking for the vaults built into the floors of Protective Aircraft Shelters (PAS) on several United States and NATO bases all over the world. ...

History

The first use of Lakenheath Warren as a Royal Flying Corps airfield was in World War I when the area was made into a bombing and ground-attack range for aircraft flying from elsewhere in the area. It appears to have been little used and was abandoned when peace came in 1918. The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of World War I. // Formed by Royal Warrant on 13 May 1912, the RFC superseded the Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers. ... â€œThe Great War â€ redirects here. ...

World War II

In 1940, the Air Ministry selected Lakenheath as an alternative satellite for RAF Mildenhall and was first used as a decoy airfield. Prior to actual construction, false lights, runways and aircraft diverted Luftwaffe attacks from the nearby RAF Mildenhall. The Air Ministry was formerly a department of the United Kingdom Government, established in 1918 with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the (then newly formed) Royal Air Force. ... Tail of a 100ARW Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker, Serial 58-0100, displaying the crest of RAF Mildenhall and the historic SquareD badge as used by the unit during the second world war RAF Mildenhall (IATA: MHZ, ICAO: EGUN) is a Royal Air Force station located at Mildenhall in Suffolk... The Deutsche Luftwaffe or (German: air force, literally Air Weapon IPA: ) is the commonly used term for the German air force. ... Tail of a 100ARW Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker, Serial 58-0100, displaying the crest of RAF Mildenhall and the historic SquareD badge as used by the unit during the second world war RAF Mildenhall (IATA: MHZ, ICAO: EGUN) is a Royal Air Force station located at Mildenhall in Suffolk...

Hard runways were put down with the main runway, 05-23, being 2,000 yards, and the subsidiaries, 12-30 at 1,300 yards and 17-35 at 1,400 yards. At a later date, another 100 yards was added to runway 17-35. Hardstands for 36 aircraft were built along with two T-2s and a B-1 hangar. One T-2 was on the technical site and the other hangars to the east across the A1065 Mildenhall-Brandon road were reached by taxiways.

Lakenheath Airfield was initially used by RAF flying units on detachment late in 1941. As planned, the station soon functioned as a Mildenhall satellite with Stirling bombers of No. 149 Squadron being dispersed from the parent airfield as soon as conditions allowed. The squadron had exchanged its Vickers Wellingtons for Stirlings late in 1941 and after becoming fully operational with its new aircraft, the squadron moved into Lakenheath in April 1942 and remained in residence until 1944. The Stirling was a World War II heavy bomber design built by Short Brothers. ... The Vickers Wellington was a twin-engine, medium bomber designed in the mid-1930s at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey, by Vickers-Armstrongs Chief Designer, R.K. Pierson. ...

Taking part in more than 350 operations, of which more than half involved mine-laying, 149 Squadron had one of the lowest percentage loss rates of all the Stirling squadrons. One of No. 149's Stirling pilots, Flight Sergeant Rawdon Middleton, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour on the night of November 28/29, 1942 when he sustained serious face wounds from shell-fire during a raid on Turin. Despite great pain and loss of blood, he determinedly brought the damaged aircraft back to the coast of southern England. With fuel nearly exhausted his crew were ordered to bail out, Middleton was killed when the Stirling, BF372 OJ-H, crashed in the English Channel. The Victoria Cross (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour in the face of the enemy to members of armed forces of some Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire territories. ... â€œTorinoâ€ redirects here. ... Satellite view of the English Channel The English Channel (French: , the sleeve) is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the island of Great Britain from northern France and joins the North Sea to the Atlantic. ...

In early 1943 three T-2 hangars were erected on the north side of the airfield for glider storage, some 40 Horsa Gliders being dispersed at Lakenheath during that year. Airspeed Horsa The Airspeed AS.51 Horsa was a World War II troop-carrying glider built by the British company Airspeed Ltd and subcontractors and used for air assault by British and Allied armed forces. ...

In June 1943 No. 199 Squadron was established as a second Stirling squadron at Lakenheath. Commencing operations on 31 July, it was engaged principally in mine-laying during the winter of 1943-44. At the end of April 1944, after 68 operations, the squadron was transferred to No. 100 Group for bomber support operations moving to RAF North Creake in May 1944. is the 212th day of the year (213th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

No. 149 Squadron ended its long association with RAF Lakenheath the same month, taking its Stirlings to RAF Methwold. Between them the two squadrons had lost 116 Stirling Bombers in combat while flying from Lakenheath.

The reason for the departure of the two bomber squadrons was Lakenheath's selection for upgrading to a Very Heavy Bomber airfield. Lakenheath was one of three RAF airfields being prepared to receive United States Army Air Force Boeing B-29 Superfortresses which were tentatively planned to replace some of Eighth Air Force's Third Air Division B-24 Liberator groups spring of 1945. The United States Army Air Forces, or USAAF, was a part of the U.S. military during World War II. The direct precursor to the U.S. Air Force, the USAAF formally existed between 1941 and 1947. ... The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a four-engine heavy bomber propeller aircraft flown by the United States Army Air Forces in World War II and other military organizations afterwards. ... The Eighth Air Force is a numbered air force (NAF) of the major command (MAJCOM) of Air Combat Command of the United States Air Force and it is headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. ... The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber that was produced in greater numbers than any other American combat aircraft during World War II and still holds the record as the most produced allied aircraft. ...

The work entailed removal of the existing runways and laying new ones comprising 12 inches of high-grade concrete. The main at 07-25 was 3,000 yards long, the subsidiaries, 01-19 and 14-32, both 2,000 yards, all three being 100 yards wide. Part of the A1065 road between Brandon and Mildenhall was closed and a new section built further to the east on the Warren. During the peak period of construction over 1,000 men were working on the site yet, instead of the 12 months planned, it actually took 18 months for the ground work alone and 2 1/2 years before Lakenheath's transformation was considered complete. The cost was near £2 million. Brandon is a small town and civil parish in the English county of Suffolk. ... This article is about the village of Mildenhall, Suffolk. ...

By the time construction ended the war with Germany was over and RAF Lakenheath was put on a care and maintenance status.

United States Air Force Use

Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union in Europe began as early as 1946. In November, President Harry S. Truman ordered Strategic Air Command B-29 bombers to RAF Burtonwood, and from there to various bases in West Germany as a "training deployment". In May 1947 additional B-29s were sent to the UK and Germany to keep up the presence of a training program. These deployments were only a cover-up, as the true aim of these B-29s were to have a strategic air force permanently stationed in Europe. For other uses, see Cold War (disambiguation). ... Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 â€“ December 26, 1972) was the thirty-third President of the United States (1945â€“1953); as Vice President, he succeeded to the office upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. ... For the film of the same name, see Strategic Air Command (film) The Strategic Air Command (SAC) was the operational establishment of the United States Air Force in charge of Americas bomber-based and ballistic missile-based strategic nuclear arsenal from 1946 to 1992. ... RAF Burtonwood is the name of the Royal Air Force station that used to be situated just North-West of Warrington, Cheshire. ...

In April 1947 RAF Bomber Command returned to Lakenheath and had the runways repaired, resurfaced, and readied for operations by May 1948.

Strategic Air Command

In response to the threat by the Soviet Union, by the 1948 Berlin blockade President Truman decided to realign USAFE into a permanent combat-capable force. In July, B-29 Superfortresses of the SAC 2nd Bombardment Group were deployed to Lakenheath for a 90-day temporary deployment. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1008x548, 86 KB) Source: USAF photo Scanned from Page 65 of the following book. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1008x548, 86 KB) Source: USAF photo Scanned from Page 65 of the following book. ... Image File history File links KC97. ... Image File history File links KC97. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Occupation zones after 1945. ...

On 27 November 1948 operatonal control of RAF Lakenheath was transferred from the Royal Air Force to USAFE. The first USAFE host unit at RAF Lakenheath was the 7504th Base Completion Squadron, being activated that date. The squadron was elevated to an Air Base Group (ABG) on 28 January 1950 and to a Wing (ABW) on 26 September 1950. is the 331st day of the year (332nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Control of RAF Lakenheath was allocated to Third Air Force at South Ruislip Air Station which had command of SAC B-29 operations in England. Third Air Force was subsequently placed directly under USAF orders, with Strategic Air Command establishing the 7th Air Division Headquarters at RAF Mildenhall. The collocation of the two headquarters within the United Kingdom allowed HQ USAFE to discharge its responsibilities in England, while at the same time allowing Strategic Air Command to continue in its deterrent role while retaining operational control over flying activities at Lakenheath. Third Air Force was established in 1940 as the Southeast Air District to provide air defence for that part of continental United States, it also provided air defense and conducted combat training for personnel of newly formed units in World War II. After the war it served Tactical Air Command... Tail of a 100ARW Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker, Serial 58-0100, displaying the crest of RAF Mildenhall and the historic SquareD badge as used by the unit during the second world war RAF Mildenhall (IATA: MHZ, ICAO: EGUN) is a Royal Air Force station located at Mildenhall in Suffolk...

By 1950 Lakenheath was one of three main operating bases for the U.S. Strategic Air Command in the UK, the others were RAF Marham and RAF Sculthorpe. A succession of bombardment squadrons and wings, 33 in all, rotated through Lakenheath, the B-29s giving way to the improved B-50 Superfortresses and then, in June 1954, B-47 Stratojets. For the film of the same name, see Strategic Air Command (film) The Strategic Air Command (SAC) was the operational establishment of the United States Air Force in charge of Americas bomber-based and ballistic missile-based strategic nuclear arsenal from 1946 to 1992. ... RAF Marham is a Royal Air Force station in Norfolk, England. ... RAF Sculthorpe is a helicopter training facility for the United Kingdoms Royal Air Force, located near Fakenham. ...

On 1 May 1951 Lakenheath was transferred from USAFE to SAC and placed under the 3909th Air Base Group. By 1952 high security perimeter fencing was erected for security. The 3909th moved to RAF Greenham Common in 1954 and was replaced by the 3910th Air Base Group. is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Greenham Common in 2005. ...

The increasing tension of the Cold War lead to a re-evaluation of these deployments and by 1953 SAC bombers began to move its heavy bomb groups further west, behind RAF fighter forces, to RAF Brize Norton, RAF Greenham Common, RAF Upper Heyford and RAF Fairford, while its shorter-range B-47 were sent to East Anglica. Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico Walker Air Force Base, also known as Roswell Army Air Field, is a former United States Air Force Base, located 8 miles south of Roswell, New Mexico. ... Capital Santa Fe Largest city Albuquerque Area Ranked 5th - Total 121,665 sq mi (315,194 kmÂ²) - Width 342 miles (550 km) - Length 370 miles (595 km) - % water 0. ... Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (D-M) is a key US Air Combat Command installation, located within the city limits of Tucson, Arizona at 32 09N 110 52W. 355th Wing emblem The 355th Wing is the host unit providing medical, logistical, and operational support to all D-M... Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74. ... March Air Reserve Base is a base of the U.S. Air Force Reserve located in Riverside County, California, between the cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area Ranked 3rd - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 kmÂ²) - Width 250 miles (400 km) - Length 770 miles (1,240 km) - % water 4. ... Hunter Army Airfield (IATA: SVN, ICAO: KSVN), along with Fort Stewart, is a military complex located near Savannah, Georgia, United States. ... Barksdale Air Force Base is a U.S. military base near Bossier City, Louisiana, USA. Barksdale is the home of the U.S. Air Forces 2nd Bombing Wing and headquarters of the 8th Air Force . ... Official language(s) de jure: none de facto: English & French Capital Baton Rouge Largest city New Orleans [1] Area Ranked 31st - Total 51,885 sq mi (134,382 kmÂ²) - Width 130 miles (210 km) - Length 379 miles (610 km) - % water 16 - Latitude 29Â°N to 33Â°N - Longitude 89Â°W... This is a list of US Air Force bases and airfields indexed by the IATA Airport Code. ... Official language(s) No official language See languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Largest metro area Dallasâ€“Fort Worth Metroplex Area Ranked 2nd - Total 261,797 sq mi (678,051 kmÂ²) - Width 773 miles (1,244 km) - Length 790 miles (1,270 km) - % water 2. ... March Air Reserve Base is a base of the U.S. Air Force Reserve located in Riverside County, California, between the cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area Ranked 3rd - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 kmÂ²) - Width 250 miles (400 km) - Length 770 miles (1,240 km) - % water 4. ... For other uses, see Cold War (disambiguation). ... RAF Brize Norton is a Royal Air Force station in Oxfordshire about 50 miles west of London, England, United Kingdom. ... Greenham Common in 2005. ... RAF Upper Heyford was a Royal Air Force station located north-west of Bicester near the village of Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, England. ... RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire, England, near to Fairford. ...

Note: Many SAC Squadrons had aircraft at RAF Lakenheath on a transitotry basis without any recorded deployment to the base. For example in January 1951, a detachment of Convair RB-36D Peacemaker intercontinental bombers from the 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Travis AFB, California arrived for a few days and various tanker and transport aircraft also made periodic appearances at the base. Several of the temporary detachments included in-flight refuelling tanker aircraft. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (D-M) is a key US Air Combat Command installation, located within the city limits of Tucson, Arizona at 32 09N 110 52W. 355th Wing emblem The 355th Wing is the host unit providing medical, logistical, and operational support to all D-M... Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74. ... McCoy Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force base near Orlando, Florida. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area Ranked 22nd - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] kmÂ²) - Width 361 miles (582 km) - Length 447 miles (721 km) - % water 17. ... Salina Municipal Airport (IATA: SLN, ICAO: KSLN) is a public airport located just southwest of Salina, Kansas. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Whiteman Air Force Base (Whiteman AFB) is a base of the United States Air Force located in Johnson County, Missouri. ... Official language(s) English Capital Jefferson City Largest city Kansas City Largest metro area St Louis[1] Area Ranked 21st - Total 69,709 sq mi (180,693 kmÂ²) - Width 240 miles (385 km) - Length 300 miles (480 km) - % water 1. ... The former Lincoln Air Force Base was a Strategic Air Command bomber and missile base located near Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. It activated on 1 February 1954 and closed on 25 June 1966. ... Official language(s) English Capital Lincoln Largest city Omaha Largest metro area Omaha Area Ranked 16th - Total 77,421 sq mi (200,520 kmÂ²) - Width 210 miles (340 km) - Length 430 miles (690 km) - % water 0. ... Forbes Air Force Base was Strategic Air Command airfield located five miles south of Topeka, Kansas that was transferred to the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority and now is known as Forbes Field. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico Walker Air Force Base, also known as Roswell Army Air Field, is a former United States Air Force Base, located 8 miles south of Roswell, New Mexico. ... Capital Santa Fe Largest city Albuquerque Area Ranked 5th - Total 121,665 sq mi (315,194 kmÂ²) - Width 342 miles (550 km) - Length 370 miles (595 km) - % water 0. ... The former Lincoln Air Force Base was a Strategic Air Command bomber and missile base located near Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. It activated on 1 February 1954 and closed on 25 June 1966. ... Official language(s) English Capital Lincoln Largest city Omaha Largest metro area Omaha Area Ranked 16th - Total 77,421 sq mi (200,520 kmÂ²) - Width 210 miles (340 km) - Length 430 miles (690 km) - % water 0. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Travis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force air field in the Central Valley of California, near Fairfield, CA. Called the “Gateway to the Pacific”, Travis handles more cargo and passengers than any other military air terminal in the United States. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area Ranked 3rd - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 kmÂ²) - Width 250 miles (400 km) - Length 770 miles (1,240 km) - % water 4. ...

Meanwhile on 30 April 1956 two Lockheed U-2s were airlifted to Lakenheath to form CIA Detachment A. The first flight of the U-2 was on 21 May. The Central Intelligence Agency unit did not remain long, moving to Wiesbaden Air Base West Germany on 15 June. is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed Dragon Lady, is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude aircraft flown by the United States Air Force. ... May 21 is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) is an intelligence agency of the United States government. ... Wiesbaden Air Base was selected as the site for Headquarters, United States Air Forces in Europe on 28 September 1945 in large part due to its proximity to Frankfurt am Main, where the U.S. Seventh Army was Headquartered. ... is the 166th day of the year (167th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

A near nuclear accident occurred on 27 July 1956, when a B-47 bomber crashed into a storage igloo at Lakenheath containing three MK-6 nuclear weapons while on a routine training mission. Although the bombs involved in the accident did not have their fissile cores installed, each of them carried about 8,000 pounds of high explosives as part of their trigger mechanism. The crash and ensuing fire did not ignite the high explosives and no detonation occurred. The damaged weapons and components were later returned to the Atomic Energy Commission. The B-47 involved in the accident, which killed four crewmen, was part of the 307th Bombardment Wing.^[3]. Pathways from airborne radioactive contamination to man This is a list of notable accidents involving nuclear material. ... is the 208th day of the year (209th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A Mark 6 nuclear bomb. ... Almost a year after World War II ended, Congress established the United States Atomic Energy Commission to foster and control the peace time development of atomic science and technology. ...

48th Fighter Wing

Following French President Charles de Gaulle's insistence in 1959 that all non-French nuclear-capable forces should be withdrawn from his country, the USAF began a redeployment of its North American F-100-equipped units from France. The 48th TFW left its base at Chaumont AB, France on 15 January 1960, its aircraft arriving at Lakenheath that afternoon. When the first F-100D touched down on RAF Lakenheath’s runway, the landing symbolized a return for the Statue of Liberty Wing. Almost 16 years had passed since the World War II Ninth Air Force 48th Fighter Group’s arrival at RAF Ibsley, England, for the D-Day invasion. Image File history File links F-100f-56-3990-48tfw. ... Image File history File links F-100f-56-3990-48tfw. ... Image File history File links F-100d-56-3213-492tfs-48fbw. ... Image File history File links F-100d-56-3213-492tfs-48fbw. ... Image File history File links F-4d-67-963-493tfs-48fw. ... Image File history File links F-4d-67-963-493tfs-48fw. ... is the 192nd day of the year (193rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... F-100A Super Sabre The North American F-100 Super Sabre was a jet fighter aircraft that served with the USAF from 1954 to 1971 and with the ANG until 1979. ... 2003 Aerial Photo of Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base (IATA: XCW, ICAO: LFJA) is a former United States Air Force base in France. ... January 15 is the 15th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1960 (MCMLX) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ninth Air Force is a Numbered Air Force in Air Combat Command (ACC). ... Aerial Photo of Ibsley Airfield - 1944. ... The Battle of Normandy was fought in 1944 between the German forces occupying Western Europe and the invading Allies. ...

In conjunction with this transfer, control of RAF Lakenheath was transferred from Strategic Air Command back to USAFE. As SAC elements began their departure, the 3910th Air Base Group began its transition of handing RAF Lakenheath’s facilities and real estate over to the 48th’s Combat Support Group elements.

The squadron markings consisted of alternating stripes across the tailfin in squadon colors, with a shadowed "V" shaped chevron on the nose. Starting in March 1970 squadron tail codes (shown above) were added when the aircraft went from a natural finish to a Southeast Asian camoflauge motif.

East Germany’s 1961 decision to build the Berlin Wall and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis increased Cold War tensions to an all-time high. In response, RAF Lakenheath served as a rotational base for SAC B-47 and B-52 aircraft throughout the Berlin Crisis. Also in 1962, the 48th TFW came under the operational command of Third Air Force. East German construction workers building the Berlin Wall, November 20, 1961. ... The Cuban Missile Crisis was the military confrontation, between the United States, the Soviet Union, and Cuba when the Cold War threatened to become a nuclear war. ... Third Air Force was established in 1940 as the Southeast Air District to provide air defence for that part of continental United States, it also provided air defense and conducted combat training for personnel of newly formed units in World War II. After the war it served Tactical Air Command...

Between 1963 and 1972 the wing’s F-100 fleet maintained its readiness by participating in a number of USAFE and NATO exercises.

The period between 1972 and 1977 can be described as a five-year aircraft conversion. Beginning in late 1971 the 48th TFW started its conversion to the McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II, with the aircraft being transferred from the 81st TFW at RAF Bentwaters. The conversion to the F-4D took several years, with the last F-100 departing in August 1974. With the arrival of the Phantoms, the F-4s adopted a common tail code of "LK". This tail code lasted only a few months as in July and August 1972 the 48th TFW further recoded to "LN". The F-4D carried squadron identifying fin cap colors of blue, yellow and red (492d, 493d, 494th respectivley). The squadron conversion dates were: The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II[2] is a two-seat supersonic long-range all-weather fighter-bomber originally developed for the U.S. Navy by McDonnell Douglas. ... RAF Bentwaters is a former Royal Air Force station in Suffolk in the UK. It closed in the early 1990s although it was not disposed of until some years later. ...

The F-4's service with the 48th TFW was short as operation "Ready Switch" transferred the F-4D assets to the 474th TFW at Nellis AFB Nevada. The 474th sent their General Dynamics F-111As to the 347th TFW at Mountain Home AFB Idaho, and the 347th sent their F-111Fs to Lakenheath in early 1977. Nellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base, located in Clark County, Nevada, on the northeast side of Las Vegas. ... Official language(s) English Capital Carson City Largest city Las Vegas Area Ranked 7th - Total 110,567 sq mi (286,367 kmÂ²) - Width 322 miles (519 km) - Length 490 miles (788 km) - % water 0. ... The General Dynamics F-111 is a medium-range strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and tactical strike aircraft designed in the 1960s. ... Mountain Home Air Force Base (Mountain Home AFB) is a base of the United States Air Force located near Mountain Home, Idaho in Elmore County, about 60 miles (100 km) southeast of Boise. ... Official language(s) English [1] Capital Boise Largest city Boise Area Ranked 14th - Total 83,642 sq mi (216,632 kmÂ²) - Width 305 miles (491 km) - Length 479 miles (771 km) - % water 0. ...

A fourth fighter squadron, the 495th Tactical Fighter Squadron was activated with the 48th TFW on 1 April 1977 with a squadron tail color of green. This was 33 years to the day since the squadron’s inactivation. The 495th’s mission of functioning as a replacement training unit for the other three fighter squadrons made the 48th TFW unique in two ways. First, it made the 48th the only combat unit in USAFE with four squadrons. Furthermore, it made the 48th the only wing operating with its own replacement training unit. In the same year construction of the airfield's Hardened Aircraft Shelters (acronym: HAS, but commonly referred to as a TAB-VEE) began as part of a wider NATO effort. is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... A Hardened Aircraft Shelter (HAS), or Protective Aircraft Shelter (PAS), is a structure which houses and protects military aircraft from enemy attack. ... NATO 2002 Summit in Prague. ...

By September 1979, the wing had flown the highest number of hours ever recorded in a fiscal year by an F-111 unit. This dedication culminated in the 48th’s performance during a joint USAFE Operational Readiness Inspection and NATO Tactical Evaluation in March 1980. As a result, the Secretary of the Air Force selected the 48th TFW for its fourth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The Outstanding Unit Award is a decoration of the United States Air Force which was first created in 1954. ...

In the 1980s a peace camp was located outside Lakenheath. First peace camps Peace camps are known from the 1920s. ...

Terrorist incidents such as the bombing of US Marines in Beirut (1983), TWA highjacking (1985), the ship Achille Lauro hijack (1985), had brought about an overwhelming public outcry for action. Two aircraft carriers of the United States Navy Sixth Fleet and the F-111s of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing were selected to conduct the strike. The F-111Fs from Lakenheath were chosen for their capability to fly long distances and deliver laser-guided munitions with great accuracy. Operation El Dorado Canyon was the name of the joint United States Air Force and Navy air-strikes against Libya on April 15, 1986. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2800x1850, 3114 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): General Dynamics F-111 ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2800x1850, 3114 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): General Dynamics F-111 ... For other uses, see Beirut (disambiguation). ... The Willem Ruys The Achille Lauro The Achille Lauro, formerly the Willem Ruys, was a passenger liner. ... USN redirects here. ... The Sixth Fleet is a US Navy operational unit, headquartered on the command ship La Salle (AGF-3) with its homeport in Gaeta, Italy and operating in the Mediterranean Sea. ...

At approximately 19:00 the evening of 14 April 1986, 24 F-111Fs departed Lakenheath's runway, six of which were airborne spares in the event malfunctions forced any of the primary aircraft to abort. In flights of four, aircrews flew south through the Straits of Gibraltar and began their orchestrated attack shortly after midnight on 15 April. They were targeted on Azziziyah Barracks, the Sidi Balal terrorist training camp, and Tripoli Airport. With the sky lit up from Tripoli's city lights, anti-aircraft tracers, and brilliant surface to air missile detonations, determined 48th TFW crews unleashed 60 tons of munitions, damaging their targets. In spite of the mission's success, the Wing experienced a major loss. As the strike force recovered at Lakenheath, both air and ground crews were given the somber news that Major Fernando Ribas, pilot, and Weapons System Operator Captain Paul Lorence, were missing. April 14 is the 104th day of the year (105th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 261 days remaining. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... The Strait of Gibraltar as seen from space. ... is the 105th day of the year (106th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Tripoli (Arabic: Ø·Ø±Ø§Ø¨Ù„Ø³ TarÄbulus) is the capital city of Libya. ...

On 8 September 1986, US Navy Secretary John Lehman personally presented the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation to the 48th TFW for its participation in the operation. The 48th TFW is the only Air Force unit to have received this prestigious award. is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... John F. Lehman, Jr. ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions. ...

In response to the Iraqui invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990 the 48th TFW deployed more than 60 aircraft and 1,500 personnel to Taif Air Base, Saudi Arabia. The 492d, 493d and 494th TFSs deployed, supplying 66 F-111Fs, which were in place by December 1990. Combatants U.S.-led coalition Iraq Commanders George H. W. Bush, Norman Schwarzkopf, Colin Powell Saddam Hussein, Ali Hassan Al-Majid, Hussein Kamel Strength 660,000 ~545,000 Casualties 345 dead, 1,000 wounded 25,000 - 100,000 dead, 100,000 - 300,000 wounded The 1991 Gulf War (also Persian... Motto Ø§Ù„Ù„Ù‡ Ø£ÙƒØ¨Ø± (Arabic) Allahu Akbar(transliteration) God is Great Anthem Mawtini(new) Ardh Alforatain(previous)1 Capital (and largest city) Baghdad2 Official languages Arabic Government Developing , currently occupied by US - President Jalal Talabani - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Independence - from the October 1, 1919 - from the October 3, 1932 Area - Total... is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ...

During the air war 17 January though 24 February 1991, and subsequent four-day ground war of February 24 - 28, 48th TFW F-111Fs flew thousands of sorties, unleashing their lethality of precision-guided munitions on Iraqi armor, artillery, bridges, military airfields and command and control centers. 48th aircrews even stopped the flow of oil contaminating the Persian Gulf by bombing a pumping installation purposefully damaged by retreating Iraqi forces. is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... February 24 is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... Map of the Persian Gulf. ...

Overall, the 48th TFW flew a total of 1919 combat sorties, totaling 2203 target hits. All the wing’s personnel returned to RAF Lakenheath by 13 May 1991. is the 133rd day of the year (134th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ...

On 1 October 1991 the 48th TFW implemented the objective wing concept and was redesignated the 48th Fighter Wing, and all of its operational squadrons were also redesignated as "Fighter Squadrons". The program also realigned the maintenance-fighter squadron work force and establishing several command positions to include the logistics group, operations group, medical group and support group commanders. Download high resolution version (1133x554, 72 KB)F-15E climbling out of RAF Lakenheath RAF Lakenheath, England -- A 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle takes to the sky en route to a deployment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, July 14. ... Download high resolution version (1133x554, 72 KB)F-15E climbling out of RAF Lakenheath RAF Lakenheath, England -- A 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle takes to the sky en route to a deployment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, July 14. ... Image File history File links P-51_F-15. ... Image File history File links P-51_F-15. ... The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range single-seat fighter aircraft that entered service with Allied air forces in the middle years of World War II. The P-51 became one of the conflicts most successful and recognizable aircraft. ... is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ...

Lakenheath began to receive its first McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagles in 1992. With the departure of the F-111s, the 495th FS was inactivated on 13 December 1991. On 18 December 1992 the last F-111 departed the base. Along with its departure, the 493d FS was also inactivated. December 13 is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 352nd day of the year (353rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ...

With the pending closure of Bitburg Air Base Germany on 25 February 1994 it was decided to reactivate the 493d as an F-15C/D squadron. Aircraft were transferred from Eglin AFB Florida and the 493d was reactivated on 1 January. The 493rd’s arrival meant that the 48th became the largest F-15E/F-15C composite unit in the U.S. Air Force. Bitburg Air Base is a American air force base located 2 mi (3 km) SE of Bitburg , 20 mi (32 km) N of Trier, and 135 mi (217 km) W of Wiesbaden Germany. ... is the 56th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar). ... Eglin Air Force Base is a base of the United States Air Force that belongs to the Air Force Materiel Command; the Air Armament Center is the host unit. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area Ranked 22nd - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] kmÂ²) - Width 361 miles (582 km) - Length 447 miles (721 km) - % water 17. ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Operations in the 1990s that the 48th FW particpated in were to support the no-fly zones above Iraq and later Bosnia as part of Operations PROVIDE COMFORT and DELIBERATE GUARD, operations which the squadron continues to support.

During 1995, 492nd, 493rd and 494th FS aircrews and support people deployed 330 days to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, and Aviano Air Base, Italy, to support Operations Provide Comfort and Deny Flight. The Incirlik Air Base (Turkish: ), an important air base in NATOs Southern Region, is located in Ä°ncirlik, 12 km east of Adana, Turkeys fifth largest city, and 56 km from the Mediterranean Sea ( ). Its ICAO airport code is LTAG. The airbase has a United States Air Force (USAF... US F-16s at Aviano Aviano Air Base is a base of the United States Air Force, in the northeastern part of Italy, at the foot of the Italian Alps, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Pordenone. ...

In August 1998 an F-15D (Serial 86-182) of the 493d Fighter Squadron paid a visit to Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base (now called Quartier General d'Aboville), France for an open house static display. This was the first time a Statue of Liberty Wing aircraft was at its original air base in almost 40 years.

During 1999's Operation Allied Force aircraft of the 493d FS scored four aerial victories over Serbian Mikoyan MiG-29s. Combatants NATO Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Various militias and paramilitaries, as well as international volunteers [1] Commanders Wesley Clark (SACEUR) Javier Solana (Secretary General of NATO) Slobodan MiloÅ¡eviÄ‡ (Supreme Commander of the Army of Yugoslavia) Dragoljub OjdaniÄ‡ (Chief of Staff) Svetozar MarjanoviÄ‡ (Deputy Chief of Staff) Casualties 2 confirmed... The Mikoyan MiG-29 (Russian: ) (NATO reporting name Fulcrum) is a fighter aircraft designed for the air superiority role in the Soviet Union. ...

In 2003, the 48th FW received the first of 10 new F-15Es. The aircraft were part of the final batch of F-15s expected to be ordered by the USAF.

The task of developing a comprehensive listing of USAF units present in the area is particularly difficult following the events of September 11, 2001 and the Global War on Terrorism. The USAF seeks to improve Operations security (OPSEC) and to deceive potential enemies as to the extent of American operations, therefore a listing of which units deploying where and when is unavailable. is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The War on terrorism or War on terror (abbreviated in policy circles as GWOT for global war on terror) is a global effort by the governments of several countries (primarily the United States and its principal allies) to destroy international groups it deems as terrorist (primarily radical Islamist terrorist groups... This article or section needs copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone and/or spelling. ...

However, it is certain that USAFE units are currently flying missions over both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Trivia

Lakenheath has been used as a location for Tomorrow Never Dies, as the unnamed "US Air Base" in the South China Sea. Aircraft F-15Es, clearly display the "LN" tail markings giving away the true identity of the location. The credits for the film acknowledge the cooperation of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath. Pierce Brosnan was filmed at the base. Tomorrow Never Dies is the 18th film in the James Bond series and the second to star Pierce Brosnan as MI6 agent James Bond. ... Filipino name Tagalog: Luzon Sea Portuguese name Portuguese: Mar da China Meridional Vietnamese name Vietnamese: The South China Sea is a marginal sea south of China. ... Pierce Brendan Brosnan OBE [1] (born May 16, 1953) is an Irish actor and producer best known for portraying James Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002: GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. ...

A special public viewing area is provided at the end of the runway where planes can clearly be seen taking off and landing on the main runway.Template:Verification-needed

Contents

48th Fighter Wing

Nuclear Weapons Storage

History

World War II

United States Air Force Use

Strategic Air Command

48th Fighter Wing

Trivia

See also

References

External links