This event could reasonably be sub-titled "A Grand Day Out"

Click on the small images to see a larger version.

In September 2002, following a chance encounter (?) with Col. Snider, the MHAS arranged a possible visit to RAF Lakenheath. With the events in Iraq in early 2003, it seemed unlikely that the visit would go ahead. But go ahead it did!

As one comes to expect on such outings, there were four lost souls (their names are known) mooching around the Douglas Bader pub car park, despite having been given clear instructions to go to the Shoppers Car Park at Martlesham.
Ed: Point of Order - nowhere is there a sign for "Shoppers Car Park," the name clearly requires special local knowledge :o)

Fortunately, Russell Bailey, keeper of the Society's purse, rescued the stragglers and the group set off just 10 minutes late, picking up more passengers on the way through Ipswich, bringing the group up to about forty.  The Soames's coach made good time and arrived at RAF Lakenheath bang on time (despite those stragglers...)

We were met at the gates by a friendly group of guards. Phew! they say the policemen get younger every year, but these armed guards (M16 and 45 automatic) looked younger than most policemen! Then our "tour guide" joined the bus for the "windshield tour" - that means you stay on the coach and trundle around the base while the bubbly T.Sgt. Claudette Hutchinson (her first stint at tour-guiding) provides a running commentary. Claudette is pictured (above, right) with Bob Dunnett and Alan Smith, both showing their gratitude in different but rather similar ways. Claudette was great fun to have as our guide.

After the tour round the domestic area of the base, we dined sumptuously on American-sized portions of beef with the usual trimmings. Perhaps disappointingly, no-one said "Do you want fries with that?" While in the dining room we also learned that the "Custodial Room" is not a place for locking up people mis-behaving over their meal but, surprisingly(?), what we would call a broom cupboard!

After a quick stop off at the "bathroom," we were back on the bus. Next stop on the base tour was the Airpark. That's its official name but Claudette described it as "planes on a stick." Pictured left, Phil Sheaf is seen discussing the displays with Claudette. Pictured right are, indeed, well, 'planes on sticks...
Across the road from this display is a very realistic fibre-glass model of a Supermarine Spitfire.

While at the Airpark, there were F-15s taking off and performing 'touch and go' practice. OK, OK, we're getting to the really juicy bit very soon. The bus headed off towards the "flightline" past the support buildings and squadron headquarters buildings, and an array of large hangars where they carry out engineering, fabrication, spray painting etc., Past the control tower and onto a roadway parallel with the main runway. Near the end, we turned right toward HAS (Hardened Aircraft Shelter) no.48, where we were due to meet the crew of an F-15. The hangar was closed. That might have been intentional, added drama because, as the coach was parked in front of the hangar, the (90-ton) doors were opened. We were issued with ear-plugs and forbidden to wear hats for fear of FOD (Foreign Object Damage) to aircraft engines.

Claudette introduced us to Grant Bucks (pilot) and Eric Artzner (WSO - pronounced wizzo - the back seat man, Weapons Systems Officer). They set about explaining their training program, their individual roles in the aircraft, the weapons capability, and loads of detail about life with the F-15E Strike Eagle. They had seen service in Iraq.  After quite a lengthy 'briefing' we all ambled around the aircraft, taking photos inside and outside the HAS. Many of us continued chatting to the two airmen. I'm sure everyone would agree that they were two very impressive, friendly, enthusiastic, professional airmen - a credit to the USAF and their country.

Grant Bucks at the controls of his F-15

And I thought my VCR was complicated!

Weapons pylon under the port wing.

The opposite end from the pilot.

While soaking up all this first-hand F-15 information, we were often interrupted by more F-15s taxiing past the HAS, right in front of us. And I do mean RIGHT IN FRONT of us! The first picture below shows a view from the cockpit of the F-15 in the hangar, and the second is a closer view of an F-15 taxiing past.  In the first shot, you can see that members of our group were standing right on the edge of the taxiway. Just to the right, the crewchiefs readied their 'planes for action, then they taxied to the end of the runway, just a short way away, and took off. Many of the F-15s were using after-burner for take-off (dependent on all-up weight) to shorten the length of runway required.

From the HAS to the taxiway. MHAS members take a salute

Like the no.15 bus, nothing for a while, then 4 came along together

All the passing aircrew made some kind of 'salute' to the members who stood waving at them. Either a real salute, a wave, the 'horns' or a raised air-brake were friendly signs of recognition to the watching Brits.

You can see that we also had good weather but, for me, the stars of the day (with due respect to those who organized the event) were the men, women and aircraft of the United States Air Force. Truly, a grand day out!

RAF Lakenheath's own web site is HERE.