US Air Force at RAF Lakenheath hails night flying exercise a success

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off during the “FURIOUS 48” readiness exercise at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 1, 2018. This exercise was designed to emphasize the importance of combat skills effectiveness training and test Liberty Wing Airmen on their ability to survive and operate in wartime conditions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks) (Image: Airman 1st Class Christopher S.)

The RAF Lakenheath-based 48th Fighter Wing took part in a 48-hour readiness exercise code-named Fursious 48 this week.

'The readiness exercise we executed here at RAF Lakenheath this week lived up to its name of Furious 48,' said Col William Marshall, 48th Fighter Wing commander. 'A lot of great training was accomplished in just two days.'

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off during the “FURIOUS 48” readiness exercise at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 1, 2018. This exercise was designed to emphasize the importance of combat skills effectiveness training and test Liberty Wing Airmen on their ability to survive and operate in wartime conditions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks) (Image: Airman 1st Class Christopher S.)

The training focused on pre-attack preparedness, self-aid buddy care, post-attack reconnaissance and rapid contingency response. The wing flew 79 sorties and completed 166 flying hours.

'I'm proud of the work that was done by the Liberty Wing, with our Airmen laser-focused on getting the mission done despite the great many challenges that were built into the training scenarios,' Col Marshall said.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off during the “FURIOUS 48” readiness exercise at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 1, 2018. This exercise was designed to emphasize the importance of combat skills effectiveness training and test Liberty Wing Airmen on their ability to survive and operate in wartime conditions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks) (Image: Airman 1st Class Christopher S.)

'We thank our local communities for their support and understanding, as this included flying operations through the night and other disturbances.'

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off during the “FURIOUS 48” readiness exercise at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 1, 2018. This exercise was designed to emphasize the importance of combat skills effectiveness training and test Liberty Wing Airmen on their ability to survive and operate in wartime conditions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks) (Image: Airman 1st Class Christopher S.)

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off during the “FURIOUS 48” readiness exercise at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 1, 2018. This exercise was designed to emphasize the importance of combat skills effectiveness training and test Liberty Wing Airmen on their ability to survive and operate in wartime conditions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks) (Image: Airman 1st Class Christopher S.)

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off during the “FURIOUS 48” readiness exercise at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 1, 2018. This exercise was designed to emphasize the importance of combat skills effectiveness training and test Liberty Wing Airmen on their ability to survive and operate in wartime conditions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks) (Image: Airman 1st Class Christopher S.)

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off during the “FURIOUS 48” readiness exercise at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 1, 2018. This exercise was designed to emphasize the importance of combat skills effectiveness training and test Liberty Wing Airmen on their ability to survive and operate in wartime conditions.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks) (Image: Airman 1st Class Christopher S.)