Former commander returns

Maj. Gen. Mark T. Matthews, Director of Requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command, a previous 48th Fighter Wing commander, puts on his G-suit prior to his F-15E orientation flight with the 494th Fighter Squadron, Jan. 30 at RAF Lakenheath, England. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

Former commander returns

Maj. Gen. Mark T. Matthews, Director of Requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command, a previous 48th Fighter Wing commander, inspects the F-15E Strike Eagle prior to his F-15E orientation flight with the 494th Fighter Squadron, Jan. 30 at RAF Lakenheath, England. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

Former commander returns

Maj. Tom Laitinen 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and Maj. Gen. Mark T. Matthews, Director of Requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command, a previous 48th Fighter Wing commander, gets strapped in into the F-15E and goes over the pre-flight checklist for his F-15E orientation flight with the 494th Fighter Squadron, Jan. 30 at RAF Lakenheath, England. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

Former commander returns

Airman 1st Class Richard Anderson, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief salutes Maj. Tom Laitinen 494th Fighter squadron F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and Maj. Gen. Mark T. Matthews, Director of Requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command, a previous 48th Fighter Wing commander, before they taxi to the runway for his F-15E orientation flight with the 494th Fighter Squadron, Jan. 30 at RAF Lakenheath, England. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

Former commander returns

Maj. Tom Laitinen 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and Maj. Gen. Mark T. Matthews, Director of Requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command, a previous 48th Fighter Wing commander, take off on his F-15E orientation flight with the 494th Fighter Squadron, Jan. 30 at RAF Lakenheath, England. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

Former 48th Fighter Wing Commander returns to RAF Lakenheath

Published Feb. 6, 2009
By Senior Airman Kristopher Levasseur
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Maj. Gen. Mark Matthews, Director of Requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command, returned to RAF Lakenheath for the first time since 2005, when he was the commander of the 48th Fighter Wing.

General Matthews spent three days from Jan. 29 to 31 revisiting the base and learning what has changed over the years.

"It is useful to me, especially in the current environment to talk to the units in USAFE and PACAF about how we are currently employing assets in theater and in support of expeditionary operations," said General Matthews. "It is very useful to get out and talk to the aircrews, look at the systems we are employing and see how to allocate some very scarce resources."

In his current position, General Matthews is responsible for all functions relating to the acquisition of weapons systems for combat air forces, to include new systems and modifications to existing systems.

"We can expect to see continued growth in working closely with the ground component, which is very much what RAF Lakenheath and a large part of the Air Force is engaged in Iraq, Afghanistan and the other arenas," said General Matthews.

While he was here, General Matthews flew with the 494th Fighter Squadron in an F-15E Strike Eagle and had a chance to discuss the future of air combat with wing personnel.

General Matthews concluded his visit with a fond reminiscence of his time at the Liberty Wing.

"I miss the environment at RAF Lakenheath. I like the rural environment and the people. It reminds me of home and made me very comfortable," said General Matthews "I have always considered this to be the best assignment I have had in the Air Force, I always love coming back."