Photo By Staff Sgt. Marcus Hardy-Bannerman | Members of the 48th Fighter Wing Honor Guard prepare to present the colors at the 2026...... read more read more
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RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- The 48th Fighter Wing hosted the 2026 Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony at RAF Lakenheath, May 13, welcoming six honorary commanders paired with groups and squadrons across the wing. The ceremony officially welcomed local civic leaders into the honorary commander program, giving them the opportunity to meet with wing leaders and veteran honorary commanders.
The program pairs local civic leaders with squadron and group leaders from across the Liberty Wing to strengthen relationships between 48th FW Airmen and the local community. Honorary commanders learn more about the Air Force and Liberty Wing mission while fostering engagement between Airmen and the communities surrounding RAF Lakenheath.
“The program really provides an opportunity to bring folks into your life to show them a little bit of what your professional and personal life is about,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jack Arthaud, 48th FW commander. “On the American side, you get a chance to understand a little bit more about the culture as we are here in a foreign land, separated by a common language.”
The program reflects the wing’s commitment to strengthening ties between Airmen and the communities they call home while stationed in the United Kingdom. The program also gives local leaders and Airmen an opportunity to learn more about one another’s cultures and experiences.
“We are there to support you and your Airmen,” said Richard Ashton, 48th FW honorary commander. “We are there to be friends. It’s really about that trust you can build.”
Through cultural exchange and community engagement, the honorary commander program strengthens relationships between the 48th FW and surrounding host nation communities.
“Take advantage of the opportunity to build some relationships and understand who the U.S. visiting forces are because we’re a part of your community,” said Arthaud.
Arthaud concluded the ceremony by thanking the honorary commanders for volunteering their time to support the program, , “I really believe the most valuable thing you have is your time, so to dedicate your time, to volunteer your time to build these relationships, and to be a part of the Liberty Wing, I can’t thank you enough!”
| Date Taken: | 05.12.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.15.2026 13:20 |
| Story ID: | 565373 |
| Location: | RAF LAKENHEATH, SUFFOLK, GB |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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