48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath

The 48th Fighter Wing, known as the "Liberty Wing," is a distinguished United States Air Force unit based at RAF Lakenheath, England. Originally activated in 1948, the wing has a storied legacy, having flown combat missions in major conflicts including the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, and ongoing operations supporting NATO. Over the decades, the 48th has operated various fighter aircraft, most notably the F-111 and the F-15, and recently became the first USAF unit in Europe to operate the advanced F-35A Lightning II. The wing plays a vital role in ensuring air superiority, rapid response, and the defense of U.S. and allied interests across Europe.

Unit Members

David Robinson

U.S. Air Force (1970-1974)

48th Fighter Wing, RAF LakenheathView Profile

Jon Skinta

U.S. Air Force

48th Fighter Wing, RAF LakenheathView Profile

Photos

U.S. Air Force • 1976

stationed at johnson air force base in japan

U.S. Air Force • 1949

About 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Nickname "Statue of Liberty Wing": The 48th Fighter Wing is famously known as the "Statue of Liberty Wing," a unique nickname symbolized by the Lady Liberty emblem on its tail flashes. • World War II Origins: The Wing traces its roots to the 48th Bombardment Group (Light), activated in 1941 and saw action in the European Theater during World War II. • D-Day Participation: The original 48th Group supported the D-Day landings in Normandy in June 1944, earning a Distinguished Unit Citation for its efforts. • Relocation to Europe: The 48th Fighter Wing has been based at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, since 1960, making it a key component of the U.S. Air Force in Europe. • First F-111F Wing: In the 1970s, the 48th was the first USAF wing to be equipped with the advanced F-111F Aardvark fighter-bomber. • Operation El Dorado Canyon: The 48th Fighter Wing played a pivotal role in the 1986 U.S. airstrike against Libya, flying F-111Fs on a long-range precision bombing mission. • Modern F-15E Strike Eagles: Today, the Wing operates the F-15E Strike Eagle, a dual-role fighter for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, and began receiving F-35A Lightning II aircraft in 2023. • Multiple Decorations: The unit has received numerous awards, including multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and campaign streamers for WWII and the Global War on Terrorism. • Support of Allied Operations: The 48th has supported NATO operations, including missions in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the defense of NATO airspace during periods of tension. • RAF Lakenheath's Only Active USAF Fighter Wing: The 48th Fighter Wing is currently the only U.S. Air Force fighter wing permanently based in the United Kingdom, making it a central pillar of the transatlantic defense partnership.