Future RAF pilots visit RAF Lakenheath

Photo By Staff Sgt. Madeline Herzog | A 494th Fighter Squadron weapon systems officer shows Royal Air Force Cosford holding officers parts of an F-15E Strike Eagle at RAF Lakenheath, England, April 18, 2019. The officers viewed aircraft on the flight line as well as had the opportunity to talk to pilots about their experiences, both in training and operationally. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madeline Herzog)  

BRANDON, SFK, UNITED KINGDOM

04.18.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Madeline Herzog 

48th Fighter Wing

Holding officers from RAF Cosford visited RAF Lakenheath to learn about the 48th Fighter Wing mission April 18, 2019.

The RAF’s flying training system is going through a transition period with new aircraft types integrating into the service and some trainee pilots are in a ‘holding’ status awaiting their training.

“A lot of these guys haven’t started pilot training yet, so they got to tour the base and see a little bit about our flying process,” said a 494th Fighter Squadron weapon systems officer.

The RAF officers said they believed this was a great opportunity for them to get an inside look at what they will be doing in the future.

“It’s like a light at the end of the tunnel, to see what a finished product should look like, and it’s nice to look forward to even though we may not be flying the same aircraft,” said one of the future RAF pilots.

They viewed 48th FW aircraft on the flight line and had the opportunity to talk to pilots about their experiences, both operationally and while undergoing training.

“It’s awesome to see the partnership that the U.S. and the U.K. have had for a long time,” said the 494th FS WSO.

• Date Taken: 04.18.2019
• Date Posted: 04.23.2019 06:30
• Story ID: 319083
• Location: BRANDON, SFK, GB