F-16 Fighting Falcons visit RAF Lakenheath for training deployment

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 31st Fighter Wing prepares to land at RAF Lakenheath. Picture: US Air Force photo/ Master Sgt Eric Burks (Image: Archant)

RAF Lakenheath has welcomed 14 F-16C Fighting Falcons and 200 airmen from the US Air Force’s (USAF) 510th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, based at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 31st Fighter Wing lands at RAF Lakenheath. Picture: US Air Force photo/Tech Sgt Matthew Plew (Image: Archant)

They will be participating in a flying deployment at the Suffolk base, home to the USAF’s 48th Fighter Wing (FW), to train in NATO operations with the 48th FW and British allies.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon. Picture: US Air Force photo/Tech Sgt Matthew Plew (Image: Archant)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 31st Fighter Wing, 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy. The 510th FS are participating in a flying deployment ar RAF Lakenheath. Picture: US Air Force photo/Capt Elias Small (Image: Archant)

A spokesman for the 48th FW said: “During this training event, 14 F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 510th Fighter Squadron will participate in training focused on maintaining joint readiness while building interoperability capabilities with NATO and other US Air Force assets.

“Through strengthened relationships and engagements with our allies, the US and NATO demonstrate our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Europe.”