A squadron of United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagles from RAF Lakenheath were impromptu visitors to RAF Valley recently, when a weather diversion meant that they had an overnight stop at the Anglesey base before returning to Suffolk the next day.
Flight Lieutenant Paul Heasman, a Qualified Flying Instructor with IV (R) Squadron at RAF Valley took these incredible images of the F-15’s leaving the base. The F-15’s are part of the USAF 48th Fighter Wing, providing air superiority and strike capability to joint, coalition and NATO operations across the world. The F-15E strike Eagle is a dual role fighter, designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft uses two crew members – a pilot and a weapon systems officer – and it has the capability to fight its way to a target over long ranges, destroy enemy ground positions and fight its way out.
Squadron Leader Dave Williams from RAF Valley said: “The Strike Eagles put into Valley due to severe fog at Lakenheath, and the station quickly swung into action to accommodate them. We are used to hosting a wide variety of visiting aircraft, but rarely thirteen in one go, and with little warning. The RAF Valley team pulled together to provide a safe haven for our USAF friends, and we hope they enjoyed their stay in North Wales!”
Editor: Sqn Ldr Williams
Photographs: Flt Lt Heasman
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013