Lakenheath host East Anglian dining-out

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Master Sgt. Robert Liggon (left), 48th Operations Support Squadron radar approach control chief controller, and British Royal Air Force Sergeant Dan Lee air traffic controller from RAF Marham socialize during the air traffic control dining-out May 18, 2013. The practice of the dining-out began in the 18th century by British military and was adopted by the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha)

Lakenheath host East Anglian dining-out

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England—Lt. Col. Brian Afflerbaugh, 48th Operations Support Squadron commander and dining-out president (right), and Phil Langley, Norwich Airport air traffic controller, enjoy their time at air traffic control dining-out at RAF Lakenheath Eagle’s Landing May 18, 2013. East Anglian air traffic controllers celebrated the partnership between the joint services during the 11th annual dining-out. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha)

Lakenheath host East Anglian dining-out

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Phil Langley, Norwich Airport air traffic controller, sings as part of an American tradition during the air traffic control dining-out at RAF Lakenheath Eagle’s Landing, May 18, 2013. East Anglian air traffic controllers celebrated the partnership between the joint services during the 11th annual dining-out. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha)

Lakenheath host East Anglian dining-out

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England—Master Sgt. Robert Liggon (left), 48th Operations Support Squadron radar approach control chief controller, and Airman 1st Class Sarah Harnitchek, 48th Operation Support Squadron radar approach control journyman, reports to center stage during air traffic control dining-out May 18, 2013. The practice of dining-out began in the 18th century by British military and was adopted by the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha)

Lakenheath host East Anglian dining-out

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Thirty-six East Anglian air traffic controllers pose for a group photo during the air traffic control dining-out at RAF Lakenheath Eagle’s Landing, May 18, 2013. East Anglian air traffic controllers celebrated the partnership between the joint services during the 11th annual dining-out. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha)

Lakenheath host East Anglian dining-out

Published May 23, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --

American and British air traffic controllers celebrated the long-lasting partnership during an annual dining-out, Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Thirty-six East Anglian air traffic controllers met at RAF Lakenheath Eagle's Landing, this was the first time Lakenheath has hosted the event since it started in 2002.

"The first dining-out was held at RAF Marham, Ian McDowell (East Anglian air traffic controller) and I organized it and it has continued to happen ever since," said Phil Langley, Norwich Airport air traffic controller. "I think it's great that we can come out to Lakenheath, it gives us an opportunity to see what you guys do."

The event gave East Anglian air traffic controllers the opportunity to meet the people they work with on a daily basis and to help build professional relationships.

"We work very closely together because we all share the same piece of air space and we talk to each other professionally. This gives us a chance to put a face to a voice to a name," said Langley.

Air traffic controllers from RAFs Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Marham and Wattisham, as well as Norwich, Cambridge and North Denes airports were all in attendance.

"As East Anglian air traffic controllers, we gather annually to celebrate the successes we have accomplished as a team to make the skies safe," said Master Sgt. Robert Liggon, 48th Operations Support Squadron radar approach control chief controller.

An American miltary tradition such as the prisoner of war/missing-in-action table display was introduced during the dining out.

"The POW/MIA setup was a nice touch and everyone was very moved by the words," said Langley.

Both British and American air traffic controllers said they felt the event strengthen the partnership they already shared.

"Building a concrete relationship between all the air traffic controllers in East Anglia is paramount to the safe and expeditious air traffic flow throughout Europe," said Liggon. "We coordinate and separate aircraft on a routine basis, so having face time with our counterparts is essential to building a solid foundation for communication and unit effectiveness."