
RAF Lakenheath was selected as the first base to host USAFE F-35s.
The Pentagon has announced a large reorganization of U.S. Air Force units across Europe on Jan. 8.
As a consequence of the consolidation plan, 15 installations in the Old Continent will be closed: among them RAF Mildenhall, one of the busiest airfield in the UK, whose tankers and special operations planes will be moved to Germany. RC-135 Rivet Joint jets currently based there will remain in the UK.
Then, the Pentagon has plans to base two squadrons of F-35s at RAF Lakenheath: the UK base, home of the 48th Fighter Wing equipped with F-15C and F-15E Strike Eagle jets, will be the first U.S. Air Force in Europe installation to host a unit flying the 5th Generation Joint Strike Fighter.
Each of the squadrons will receive 24 F-35s, totaling 48 aircraft assigned to RAF Lakenheath once full mission capability is achieved.
“Lakenheath is the perfect base for the perfect weapon system in the perfect country,” said Col. Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander in press release published on the Air Force website. “From the beginning, the United States and the United Kingdom have been side-by-side on F-35 program development. This is about continuing to work together with our allies and partners to ensure a secure future for Europe.”
Image credit: U.S. Air Force
Yes they are replaced the F-15s, that’s what happens.
I’m going to respectively disagree with you. They are adding 1200 men to
RAF Lakenheath to support the F-35. The F-35 will fly along with the F-15
C/D/E fighters as well as a HH-60G squadron already at Lakenheath. The Airforce is also Closing 15 bases in Europe consolidating assets with other bases
The Airforce will transferring RAF Mildenhall back to the UK,as well as closing RAF Alconbury, and RAF Molesworth.
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-dod-confirms-two-f-35-squadrons-will-be-based-in-407728/
The C/Ds are being replaced in the next decade. Maintenance gets mighty expensive at end of life.
I think your confused Chris, the F-15 C/D is not being replaced by the F-35A. The F-18 A+/C/D are being replaced by the F-35B, and the F-35C.
The pigs reminds me of Lt. Gen Chris Bogden and Orlando Carvalho.