A Celebration of Joint Heritage

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nick McNaughton
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  For half a century U.S. Air Force personnel have called RAF Lakenheath home; and to celebrate that 50 years of partnership, the men and women of RAF Lakenheath gathered together Sept. 12 at the Air Force Heritage Ball with their British hosts to further cement the special bond that brings our two countries together.

The night kicked off as attendees walked down the red carpet into Hangar 7. After walking underneath the sabers of the Lakenheath Honor Guard, guests were invited to place their bids in a silent auction, and to explore the hangar where various static displays were setup to include American and Royal Air Force aircraft.

"We decided to celebrate the 50 years that the 48th Fighter Wing has been at RAF Lakenheath," said Capt. Taona Enriquez, co-chair for the Heritage Ball. "During our time here we've trained, fought and lived together with our host nation and the Royal Air Force. The Heritage Ball was a wonderful way for us to celebrate the camaraderie that our nations share."

For Staff Sgt. William Alexander, one of the night's many volunteers, the feeling of camaraderie was abundant and he was quick to show his appreciation for his host country counterparts.

"I was really honored to come here tonight to help in any way that I could with the Air Force Ball," said Sergeant Alexander. "I love working with our British co-workers, and it's just an absolute joy to be here."

The hard work put in by the volunteers didn't go unnoticed by the event attendees.

Senior Airman Matthew Shoppell, event attendee, stated, "When you walk into the hangar you see the amazing amount of detail they put into this, with the RAF jets and the amount of time and dedication put into it. Working side by side with the RAF is a wonderful opportunity for the U.S. Air Force."

In addition to the U.S. and RAF jets, an HH-60 Pave Hawk, humvees and several other military displays were available.

Capt Enriquez said, "We put our thoughts together in a way to open up and welcome the Royal Air Force and to make this a joint coalition event. I think we have really been successful in executing that mission."

The RAF band played on as the attendees came together as one, to celebrate the two countries collective heritage.