Along with the nicknames and nose arts, the aircraft also sport some mysterious markings…
As already reported, split in mutliple flights, 18 F-15E Strike Eagle jets belonging to the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, have started returning to their home base at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, via RAF Lakenheath, from their 6-month deployment in support of OIR (Operation Inherent Resolve), a couple of weeks ago.
Interestingly, all the 18 Strike Eagles (90-0233, 90-0234, 90-0236, 90-0237, 90-0238, 90-0240, 90-0241, 90-0244, 90-0247, 90-0248, 90-0250, 91-0300, 91-0319, 91-0323, 91-0330, 91-0333, 91-0600 and 92-0366) sport unique mission markings, nicknames and nose arts that were given to the 391st jet during the deployment in the Middle East.
You can find the photos of the first 12 jets, that arrived in the UK between Apr. 13 and 14, here.
Two more aircraft (91-0319 and 90-0244) arrived on Apr. 15.
The last 4 F-15Es that landed at RAF Lakenheath on their way to Mountain Home AFB, on Apr. 20, 2019. Once again, The Aviationist’s contributor Stewart Jack was there and took the photos that you can find in this article.
Noteworthy, along with the nickname and nose art, the aircraft were given weapons markings as well as other mysterious markings: skulls and crossbones (with a “W”) and crossed pistol guns. They are pretty clear in the image below. High Value targets? Any idea?
