60th anniversary of RAF Lakenheath

Michael Peterson, the son of Major General Chesley Gordon Peterson,presents a painting of his father in a P-47 Thunderbolt, Nov 14 at RAF Lakenheath, England. Chesley Gordon Peterson was the youngest colonel in the Air Force at 23 years old, The 48th Fighter Wing displayed the capabilities of the wing during the 60th anniversary of RAF Lakenheath. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

60th anniversary of RAF Lakenheath

Howard Cook, honorary commander of the 493rd Fighter Squadron and his wife, Peta Cook, honorary commander of the 48th Aerospace Medical Squadron, look at a story board of RAF Lakenheath's participation in Operation Desert Shield Nov 14 at RAF Lakenheath, England. The 48th Fighter Wing displayed the capabilities of the wing during the 60th anniversary of RAF Lakenheath. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

60th anniversary of RAF Lakenheath

The 56th Rescue Squadron's Pararescuemen display one of their uniform and equipment normally used to conduct rescue missions Nov 14 at RAF Lakenheath, England. The 48th Fighter Wing displayed the capabilities of the wing during the 60th anniversary of RAF Lakenheath. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Perry Aston)

The 48th Fighter Wing celebrates 60 years of host nation support

Published Nov. 20, 2008
By Senior Airman Kristopher Levasseur
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 48th Fighter Wing celebrated 60 years of Air Force occupancy of RAF Lakenheath, Nov. 14 by hosting an evening of memories.

The event boasted several static displays viewed by more than 350 attendees from various locations far and wide.

"The purpose of the evening was to bring the British and American community together to celebrate our long-standing friendship," said Master Sgt. Chivita Williams, event planning committee member. "I believe this event helped both sides understand how we all work together as a community."

The celebration was attended by servicemembers and their families, members of the British American Council, local community and the Chaumont Air Base Association.

"Having Americans in the community has assisted us because they, in many cases have helped out in the community," said Mr. Rutherford. "Many of the servicemembers living off base take time out of their lives to volunteer in our communities."

On Nov. 27, 1948, the 7460th Base Complement Squadron officially took over command of Lakenheath RAF Station, which was later renamed RAF Lakenheath. The arrival of the 7460th BCS marked the first of many Air Force units stationed at RAF Lakenheath, leading to the present occupant, the 48th Fighter Wing.

"I was born and bred in Lakenheath and I have vague memories of the base being built in the 1940s," said Bruce Rutherford, local community member. "The base was very primitive in the war days. They had the Quonset Huts, which were the main accommodation on the base."

According to Mr. Rutherford, at the time, there wasn't even a fence surrounding the base and people could just walk on as they pleased.

"The event went great," said MSgt. Williams. "In my 19 years in the Air force, I consider this one of the best events I have attended. Everyone who attended was able to clearly see how we have worked together to become one community."