1 Feb 08
Air Cadets in cultural exchange
visit
1 Feb 08
Air Cadets and Staff from 22 (Sandy) Squadron spent the day at RAF (USAF) Lakenheath on 31st January. It was an early morning start to try and pack in all the visits and areas organised for them by the Public Affairs Department. The weather was not kind with gale force winds and lashing rain, but it didn’t stop the Cadets from having fun and enjoying the experiences on offer.
RAF Lakenheath is the home of the 48th Fighter Wing, also designated the United States Air Force’s Statue of Liberty Wing. In addition to supporting three combat-ready squadrons of the F15E Strike Eagle and the F15C Eagle fighter aircraft, the Liberty Wing also houses the 56th Rescue Squadron’s HH-60G Combat Search and Rescue helicopters.
Cadets were able to visit a static display of the F15 complete with its Pilots who gave a guided tour of the cockpit and the aircraft; they also visited the Squadron where they were given a briefing on the aircraft and its capabilities. Following that they visited Life Support, the Pilot’s Flight equipment department, where they were able to test the night vision goggles and see the Pilot’s equipment. Due to the weather the flight line was somewhat quiet until after lunch, but the Cadets were able to view one of the F15 landing from the perimeter track in the afternoon. They found it was interesting to learn that the Base employs a “bird man” who breeds birds of prey and has a selection of hawks and owls to scare off the bird population on the airfield, as opposed to a vehicle bird scarer the Royal Air Force use. A bird strike would be hazardous to any aircraft.
An Armory demonstration proved popular as did a visit to the Honor Guard. For the Honor Guard it is the personnel’s second duty and only the best are selected for this prestigious duty. The Cadets were enthralled to hear and see the various duties they perform, from coffin retrieval, Ceremonial duties to Guards of Honor complete with swords at Wedding ceremonies, the latter of which there are variations and Cadets took part in walking through the Honor Guard for this. They also showed the Cadets how the US Flag was specially folded into a triangle. One of the Honor Guards spoke to the Officer Commanding 22 Squadron Flt. Lt. Margaret Bell, who was surprised to find he had an English accent. On enquiring she found he was born in America, had an American passport and then came to live in the UK. He joined the Air Cadets when he was 13 at Mill Hill Squadron in London, before he decided to join the USAF later and was posted the Lakenheath. He thanked Flt. Lt. Bell for his time in the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO), although he joined a different Squadron in London he stated it had given him the guidance and training he needed which he had put to good use in the USAF and he would be forever grateful for that.
It was a very enjoyable day, and grateful thanks are extended to the Station Commander at RAF Lakenheath,the Public Affairs Department and the Staff Sergeant in charge.
