Shuttle service drives Airmen home

  • Published
  • By Airman Torri Ingalsbe
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Airmen and their families arriving in England on military orders are given a free ride to the place they'll come to call "home" by the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The 48th LRS offers a coach service between RAF's Lakenheath and Mildenhall and two major London airports, Heathrow and Gatwick.

Passengers are considered "space required" travelers if they are Department of Defense identification card holders on official TDY or PCS orders. All people on official orders have priority. Travelers not on orders are considered "space available" or space A. Official travelers are required to present the bus driver with a valid DOD ID card and two copies of their travel orders. The coach has room for the passengers' luggage and carry-on items they are allowed on the aircraft.

Shuttle information is available at the customer service departments/information desks at the airport. They have the bus location, pick-up and departure times. Incoming Airmen can also find out travel information from their squadron sponsors, www.lakenheath.af.mil, and the family portal.

"The main benefit of this service is financial," said Angelina Quamina, 48th Fighter Wing Base Intro Program Manager. "The cost of a taxi between the air bases and London can be over £250.00. The service was established to help ease financial inconveniences while trying to get to the base."

The shuttle service also provides base-organized transportation to and from London that is safe and secure with professional drivers.

"The M-11 and M-25 are two of the most stressful and dangerous roads to drive in East Anglia, for people who are new to the area," said Rick Martin coach service transportation manager.

The roads are two of the main routes to and from London for people living at RAF's Lakenheath and Mildenhall. Along with transportation to the airport, individuals utilizing the shuttle service can also take advantage of the London Underground stations located in both airports.

Individuals who aren't sure of the way to the London airports can follow the shuttle from either base. The coach drivers need to be informed of anyone planning to follow them before they leave the base. This helps deter any confusion for all parties.

Having a safe way to London, a professional driver to navigate the roads and a free ride home, Airmen coming to RAF's Lakenheath and Mildenhall have at least one thing less to worry about during their transition to England.