British nationals assume honorary command

  • Published
  • By Capt. Alysia R. Harvey
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  More than 60 people gathered at Eagles' Landing June 4 to welcome six local British nationals into the Liberty Wing family and witness their participation in a ceremony symbolizing their assumption of honorary command of 48th Fighter Wing units.

These seven individuals join 21 others as members of the base's Honorary Commander Program, which is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences, and friendships between key leaders of the local civilian community and the RAF Lakenheath military community.

Additionally, the program aims to foster a supportive relationship between the base and the community, increase military involvement in civic endeavors and organizations and make the members of the local communities more of a part of the wing.

"This day is intended to be about having fun and meeting your squadron and the rest of the wing here," said Col. Jay Silveria, 48th Fighter Wing commander, during the ceremony. "As you take these positions and interface with our base commanders, please know that all of your inputs are welcome and that we consider you a valued connection to the local communities."

The following community members were inducted into the program and began building relationships with to the units to which they are assigned:
  • Frank Warby, Bury St. Edmunds Town Councilor - 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron
  • Lord Edward Iveagh, The Right Honourable Earl of Iveagh, Deputy Lieutenant - 56th Rescue Squadron
  • Alex Wilson, Corporate Director for Community Services, St. Edmundsbury Borough Council - 48th Mission Support Group
  • Chief Inspector Martin Barnes-Smith, St. Edmundsbury District Commander - 48th Security Forces Squadron
  • Philip Bodie, Architect/Design Partner with Feilden & Mawson - 48th Medical Group
  • Masart Razaq, Economic and Tourism Development Manager, Forest Heath District Council - 48th Contracting Squadron
"It is such a privilege to be here," said Frank Warby, Honorary 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Commander, after being inducted. "I look forward to working with the unit, getting to know [Maj. Michael Wigen, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron commander], and having fun."

Lord Iveagh, Honorary 56th Rescue Squadron Commander, echoed Mr. Warby's sentiments.

"This was a magnificent ceremony and a very special day," said Lord Iveagh. "It's a tremendous honor and special thing to be linked with such a vibrant community. I look forward to nurturing the friendship that exists between us, a common enjoyment, and hearing about all the wonderful work you're doing here on the base."

The ceremony consisted of the base commander, the honorary commander and senior NCO from each unit participating in a symbolic change of command. The senior NCO, who served as the guidon bearer, passed the unit guidon to the base commander, who passed it to the honorary commander, who returned it to the guidon bearer. The honorary commanders said, "I accept command" when they received the guidon.

After the ceremony, the honorary commanders attended the First Term Airman's Center graduation, went on a base windshield tour, spent time with their base commanders at the units, and were treated to an American-style BBQ reception at Eagles' Landing.