Force Development improves host nation relations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The Force Development Squadron, a Royal Air Force organization geared toward developing good working relations with NATO allies, toured RAF Lakenheath Oct. 22.

During their visit, the FDS received briefings on the 48th Fighter Wing mission, F-15 Strike Eagle capabilities and HH-60 Pavehawk capabilities.

"The visit was designed to help both enlisted and junior commissioned personnel familiarize themselves with the general role of USAFE and RAF Lakenheath and the force elements of the 48th FW in particular," said Sqd. Ldr. Jerry Neild, RAF Lakenheath commander. "As part of an ongoing Force Development scheme running at RAF Marham, the program looks to develop leadership, service ethos and give Airmen a broader perspective on the Royal Air Force. In learning about the U.S. Air Force, it gave those present the opportunity to compare and contrast the two services."

The FDS viewed a RAF Lakenheath F-15 and HH-60, as well as an AH-64 Apache helicopter flown in from RAF Wattisham.

"(The reason we are here) is for the guys to come and see what you do so they can understand some of the differences and some of the similarities between (the U.S. and Royal Air Forces)," said Flight Lieutenant Timothy Serrell-Cooke, Force Development Officer In Charge. "If we have better communication together, better understating of your tactics and (operations), hopefully we can work together better."

According to www.raf.mod.uk , the FDS's role is to provide facilities and services aimed at developing and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel, at all levels, through supporting on-the-job training, personnel development training and general service training.

"The visit went very well, in no small part due to the enthusiastic support from the 48th Operations Group, the 48th Maintenance Group and the Liberty Club," said Squadron Leader Neild. "It facilitated some sound contacts for greater cooperation and liaison between the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Air Force."