Double Agent discovered at RAF Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nick McNaughton
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Yes, you read that headline correctly. RAF Lakenheath has been infiltrated by a double agent, but this double agent isn't a member of Al Qaeda or the KGB. For the last sixteen years, Andrew Norman has had access to some of the most advanced avionics in the world as a dedicated engine supply support technician at the 48th Component Maintenance Squadron.

When he's not inside the gates of Lakenheath maintaining American aircraft, though, Mr. Norman dons a uniform very different from his work attire at Lakenheath and serves a different country. As a search and rescue officer with Her Majesty's Coast Guard, based out of Aldeburgh, Suffolk, Mr. Norman is on-call 24 hours a day/365 days a year.

"Our role is an on-call emergency organization responsible for the initiation and coordination of all civilian maritime search and rescue within the region," he said. "This includes the mobilization, organization and tasking of adequate resources to respond to persons either in distress at sea or to persons at risk of injury or death on the cliffs or shoreline. Our patch covers around 25 miles from Aldeburgh to Orford."

While there aren't many similarities between his two jobs, there is one underlying theme vital to both professions. To Mr. Norman, it's the best part of both jobs.

"Working for the U.S. Air Force and Her Majesty's Coast Guard are similar to each other in that both organizations have a close team atmosphere, and I feel teamwork is vital to any operation," the double agent said.

Whether it's helping put bombs on target or pulling people from the sea, it's a team effort.

"My favorite part about my job here is being part of a team and individually helping the aircraft fly for missions and exercises defending our freedoms," he said. "My favorite part about being in the coast guard is similar in that I work as part of an emergency service team to make a difference in people's lives and a positive contribution to society."

Norman's leadership understands the uniqueness of having a employee working on RAF Lakenheath as well as Her Majesty's Coast Guard.

"Working with Andy has been very interesting, with my first time supervising a MOD member he helped me to learn the rules of engagement" said Senior Master Sgt. Tammie Turnbull, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron superintendant maintenance support superintendant, "he pitches in everywhere he can with his unique situation in the Engine Shop, his experience and knowledge of the mission has been invaluable to CMS and LRS."

Andrew Norman doesn't wear a laser-wielding watch, doesn't drive an Aston Martin or fight super villains planning to take over the world. To this double agent, that's alright. It's his selfless attitude and sense of duty that makes him one of the good guys.