48th FW, 100th ARW, 352nd SOW co-host civic summer event

Terry Holloway, 48th Maintenance Group honorary commander, left, and John Cushing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath British American Committee chairman, center, speak with Col. John A. Kent IV, 48th Fighter Wing vice commander, right, during the civic summer event at RAF Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4. It was first time the 48th Fighter Wing, 100th Air Refueling Wing and 352nd Special Operations Wing co-hosted the event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Abby L. Finkel)

48th FW, 100th ARW, 352nd SOW co-host civic summer event

Councillor Kate Millbank, Chairman of Breckland District Council, left, learns how to use the ANDROS F6A Robot System during the civic summer event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4. Civic leaders and honorary commander spoke with U.S. Airmen throughout the tour and learned about U.S. Air Force capabilities and assets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Abby L. Finkel) (Portions of this image have been blurred to protect operational security)

48th FW, 100th ARW, 352nd SOW co-host civic summer event

Dr. Ian Lindsay, 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron honorary commander, center, and Suzanne Lindsay, right, speak with a CV-22 Osprey aircrew member during the civic summer event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4. Honorary commanders and civic leaders were invited on base for the event geared toward maintaining strong relationships between U.S. Air Force and the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Abby L. Finkel)

48th FW, 100th ARW, 352nd SOW co-host civic summer event

Published Aug. 8, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Abby Finkel
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- For the first time, the commanders of the 48th Fighter Wing, 100th Air Refueling Wing and 352nd Special Operations Wing co-hosted civic leaders and local honorary commanders for a civic summer event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4.

Approximately 70 local mayors, chairpersons of local councils, and British military senior representatives, as well as 40 honorary commanders and their spouses attended the event, which was aimed at maintaining the strong relationship between U.S. Air Force and the local community.

"The partnership that we enjoy with the community is incredible,” said Col. Evan L. Pettus, 48th Fighter Wing commander. “It's a privilege for us as American service members to live in your nation, in your neighborhoods, to be a part of the great history of this country, and to be a part of the partnership that we've enjoyed for so many years.”

To foster a better understanding of U.S. Air Force capabilities, local leaders had opportunities to learn more about the different jobs on base, such as explosive ordinance technicians and military working dog handlers, as well as view U.S. Air Force assets, including a KC-135 Stratotanker, CV-22 Osprey, HH-60G Pave Hawk and an F-15E Strike Eagle.

Additionally, the leaders also spoke with U.S. Airmen one-on-one in an informal setting, to cultivate stronger interpersonal relationships and mutual understanding.

"We're very cognizant that we're guests in your community,” Pettus said, “and our success supporting our nation and your nation as allies is very much incumbent on the support that we receive from you."