US, UK service members project partnership at NFL game in London

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nunez | Airmen from Royal Air Force Lakenheath walk back after performing a pre-game ceremony before the Los Angeles Rams - New York Giants Football game in London, England Oct 23. As part of the ceremony, the 48th Fighter Wing Airmen presented a U.S. Flag alongside a U.K. flag presented by British service members as a sign of the continued cooperation between U.S. visiting forces and their U.K. hosts. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Emerson Nuñez)  

BRANDON, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

10.23.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Elijah Chevalier 

48th Fighter Wing

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Approximately 70 Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing unfurled the U.S. flag during the playing of the U.S. and U.K. national anthems prior to an NFL International Series football game at Twickenham Stadium in London England, Oct. 23.

The Airmen took to the field carrying the Stars and Stripes, while their Ministry of Defence counterparts did the same with Union Jack.
The flags were unfolded and presented side-by-side, as the anthems of both nations played.

“We weren’t only representing the United States Air Force, we were representing [RAF] Lakenheath and supporting the United States of America by presenting the flag out on the field,” said a 48th Operation Support Squadron weather technician. “It was an experience, especially when you heard all the British fans get loud after our national anthem. It was a good feeling.”

Following the pre-game ceremony, the Airmen watched the football game from the stands, as the Giants dominated the Rams 17-10.

Liberty Airmen represented their nation abroad that day, while also getting a taste of home, watching American football.

• Date Taken: 10.23.2016
• Date Posted: 12.02.2016 03:06
• Story ID: 213056
• Location: BRANDON, SFK, GB