EUCOM commander visits Lakenheath, discusses priorities, F-35A training deployment

Photo By Senior Airman Elijah Chevalier | U.S. Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, speaks during an all-call at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 19, 2017. During the all-call, Scaparrotti discussed his priorities, which included topics such as providing ready and postured forces relevant to today’s threat to countering terrorism, as well as the importance of the F-35A Lightning II. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eli Chevalier)  

RAF LAKENHEATH, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

04.19.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Abby Richardson 

48th Fighter Wing

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- U.S. Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, visited RAF Lakenheath, April 19.

During his visit, Scaparrotti spoke at an all-call for 48th Fighter Wing Airmen and visiting Airmen from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, who are participating in the first overseas training deployment of the F-35A Lightning II.

He discussed his priorities—which included topics ranging from providing ready and postured forces relevant to today’s threat to countering terrorism—as well as the importance of the fifth generation, multi-role fighter aircraft.

After the all-call, Scaparrotti talked about what he saw during his visit to RAF Lakenheath.

"First of all,” he said, “I saw a credible force of highly skilled and professional Airmen that provide a ready and postured force to defend here in Europe. I saw some great allies, one of our closest allies, the UK, who supports us here, works shoulder to shoulder with us. And then finally a fantastic aircraft, the most advanced fighter in the world, the F-35."

Scaparrotti also discussed plans for the future.

"We've got over 60,000 service members here in Europe that provide for the deterrence and defense of the transatlantic region,” he said. “As you look at the challenges we have in Europe today, this dynamic environment, I expect that we're going to need to grow a bit, and we're certainly going to modernize. And that's what the F-35 is about."

Before the all-call, Scaparrotti met with Airmen from organizations across the wing and coined several outstanding performers, recognizing them for their dedication.

• Date Taken: 04.19.2017
• Date Posted: 04.21.2017 10:08
• Story ID: 231104
• Location: RAF LAKENHEATH, SFK, GB