48th Fighter Wing
The
48th Fighter Wing (
48 FW), 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. It was given the name "Statue of Liberty Wing" on July 4th, 1954 and remains the only
USAF unit with both a name and a numerical designation. The wing was involved in
Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986,
Operation Desert Storm and
Operation Provide Comfort, (enforcing the
no-fly zone over
Northern Iraq), in 1991,
Operation Deliberate Guard in 1997, (enforcing the no-fly zone over the
Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina), and
Operation Allied Force in Bosnia in 1999.
The 48 FW operates in support of
U.S. Air Forces Europe,
U.S. European Command and
NATO.
In mid-1991, the wing begun restructuring under the Objective Wing Program, realigning its maintenance-fighter squadron work force and establishing several command positions to include the logistics group, operations group, medical group and support group commanders. Under this program, the word
"Tactical" was removed from Fighter Wing designations.
48th Operations Group
Formerly the 48th Fighter-Bomber Group. Provides three flying squadrons of F-15C/D/E aircraft capable of accomplishing fighter operations worldwide and one operations support squadron. Prepares aircrew and support personnel to accomplish USAFE, U.S. European Command and NATO war plans and contingency operations. Provides equipment, training, scheduling, analysis, weather, intelligence, standardization and evaluation, and command and control for an efficient flying operation.
*492d Fighter Squadron
The
492d Fighter Squadron, "Madhatters", employs the
F-15E Strike Eagle and is capable of executing strategic attack, interdiction, and counter air missions in support of USAFE, USEUCOM and NATO operations. Employs the full array of air superiority and surface attack munitions to include the most advanced precision-guided weapons in the USAF inventory. Capable of deploying to any theater of operations in the world.
*493d Fighter Squadron
The
493d Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the "Grim Reapers", at RAF Lakenheath, England, is the only
F-15C/D Eagle fighter squadron assigned to USAFE. The 493 FS is capable of executing air superiority and air defense missions in support of USAFE, USEUCOM and NATO war plans and contingency operations. Employs the world's finest air-to-air weapons and electronic identification systems. Maintains the ability to rapidly generate, deploy, and sustain operations to execute wartime and peacetime taskings in any theater of operations in the world. The unit has flown the F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft at Lakenheath since 1994.
*494th Fighter Squadron
The
494th Fighter Squadron "Panthers" also employs the F-15E Strike Eagle and is capable of executing strategic attack, interdiction, and counter air missions in support of USAFE, USEUCOM and NATO war plans and contingency operations. Employs the full array of air superiority and surface attack munitions to include the most advanced precision-guided weapons in the USAF inventory. Capable of deploying to any theater of operations in the world.
*48th Operations Support Squadron
48th Maintenance Group
Responsible for all organizational and intermediate level maintenance for F-15 C/D/E aircraft, engines, munitions and support equipment used by all three fighter squadrons to accomplish USAFE, U.S. European Command and NATO commitments and taskings. Ensures readiness for all personnel and aircraft fleet health through planning, analysis and programming for manpower, funds, equipment, training and facility requirements.
48th Mission Support Group
The 48 MSG executes expeditionary and in-garrison personnel, logistics, communications, contracting, engineering and services support for USAFE's only lead Air Expeditionary wing. It also provides force protection for infrastructure, facilities, and personnel at home and deployed locations and enhances the quality of life and quality of service for our military, civilian and dependent personnel assigned to RAF Lakenheath and surrounding community.
48th Medical Group
The 48 MDG supports the combat capability of the 48th Fighter Wing,
100th Air Refueling Wing and
352d Special Operations Group by delivering quality health care to its beneficiaries. Serves as USAFE's premier specialty referral center. The hospital treats 180,000 outpatients and 2,000 inpatients annually at 7 operating locations and maintains Expeditionary Medical Support (EMEDS).
#48th Fighter Wing & RAF Lakenheath Official Site: http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/home.htm#Information on the 48th FW @
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