Visit to RAF Lakenheath on 12th May 2005
Forty-nine of us arrived at RAF Lakenheath, at the invitation
of LT Col Dan Debree, call sign TRASH, Commander of the 494th Panther
Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath.
We had previously met Dan in November 2004 when he attended our Remembrance Ceremony and laid a wreath at the Memorial of the 356th Fighter Squadron USAAF.
On arrival we shown to the Squadron Bar where we met our host
for the day Captain Matt Hundon (Quadro). We were given a briefing about
the squadron and also our itinerary for the day. The party was split into
two and we were taken out onto the hardstand where about seven F-15 Eagles
were parked.
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We were given a fairly intense guided tour of the fighter and then allowed look at the cockpit, while Matt and his colleagues answered our questions.
The next stage of our visit was the lunch. It was fantastic, including the iced tea. Whilst having lunch, we had an officer join each table to answer our questions.
In the afternoon we were taken to the Radar building where
we were shown the radar facility at close quarters. I found this particularly
interesting as we could see an airliner passing over the area of Ipswich
where I live.
We then ascended the 6 storey control tower (click on the image, right, to see a larger version) and were given a briefing about its function. The view from there is amazing. Standing on the balcony outside we watched the take off of a German Tornado, a touch and go with a KC-135 and the landing of two F-15 Eagles.
We missed our opportunity to see the F-15 simulator by overrunning our time at the tower.
The last item in the agenda was a visit to the Memorial Park followed by our goodbyes and vote of thanks. Matt presented us each with a 494th Patch, rounding of a wonderful day.
Our hosts really made this a day to remember and the their hospitality was second to none, and we left there having made some good friends.
Finally we must thank Russell Bailey for arranging this his last trip for the Society and leaving his successor a hard act to follow.