Lakenheath inducts new honorary commanders

  • Published
  • By Capt. Alysia R. Harvey
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Military commanders here welcomed 11 members of the local community into the Liberty Family as its newest honorary commanders during a ceremony at Eagles' Landing April 23. 

The newly inducted individuals join 15 others as members of the base's Honorary Commander Program, which pairs key community leaders with base commanders, to familiarize them with the wing's mission, operations and Airmen through official and social functions. 

"I sincerely appreciate you taking on this duty," said Col. Jay Silveria, 48th Fighter Wing commander, during the ceremony. "And I want you to know that I now consider you a part of my staff and the Liberty Wing," he said igniting laughter and applause in the crowd.
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.
 
Chief Inspector Mike Holdsworth, District Police Commander, Forest Heath Area and the new 48th Security Forces Squadron honorary commander, proudly accepted the guidon and the title of honorary commander by saying, "I assume responsibility of being an honorary commander." 

Chief Inspector Holdsworth has been involved with the 48th SFS in the capacity of an honorary commander since December 2008 said he enjoyed the induction ceremony and looks forward to great things serving in this position. 

"It is a great honor and privilege to assume this responsibility, especially for me given the clear link with Security Forces," the chief said. "We work great together already, but this will help further that relationship so that we can better help the base and the military community." 

Mr. David Wales served as honorary commander of the 56th Rescue Squadron from March 2007 until this year, and says he enjoyed his experience. 

"I have very much enjoyed being an honorary commander," said Mr. Wales. "The 56th RQS are a bunch of good people and they do a great job. I've enjoyed my time, met a lot of great people and my friends will not be able to leave my house without seeing the picture they gave me, which I will proudly hang on my wall." 

As a token of appreciation for his efforts as a member of the program, Lt. Col. Neil Eisen, 56th RQS commander, presented Mr. Wales with a framed picture of an HH-60 Pave Hawk and the unit's lineage. The unit even had Mr. Wales' name etched on the side of the helicopter in the photograph, which he jokingly said he would take out for a spin on Sunday. 

In addition to the ceremony, the honorary commanders were also afforded a base windshield tour and a reception at Eagles' Landing.