Panthers Return Home

Published May 15, 2024
By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --

airman hugs child with family — U.S. Air Force Maj. Brandon Kirby, 494th Fighter Generation Squadron director of operations, reunites with his wife, Amanda, and kids at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 13, 2024. Airmen from the 494th FGS, along with supporting units from the 48th Fighter Wing, return from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Renee Nicole S.N. Finona)

F-15E Strike Eagles and their aircrews from the 494th Fighter Squadron and 48th Fighter Wing returned here in waves from May 8-16, following a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

The Panthers completed more than 6,200 flying hours and over 1,200 missions, supporting operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Their efforts significantly bolstered the U.S. posture and enhanced air operations in the region, underscoring the importance of their mission.

"As we welcome back the brave men and women of the 494th, we do so with immense pride and gratitude," said Brig. Gen. Joe Campo, 48th FW commander. "Their unwavering dedication and exceptional performance during this deployment have made the Liberty Wing proud and upheld the highest standards of the United States Air Force.

woman and two kids look at F-15E strike eagle — Margaret Snider awaits with her children the return of her spouse, U.S. Air Force Maj. Tyson Snider, 494th Fighter Squadron pilot, from a deployment at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 10, 2024. The 494th FS returned from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, where they provided crucial support to operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Seleena Muhammad-Ali)

Campo said the Panthers proved we are “Always Ready to Own the Skies” particularly during recent challenges, proving their courage and professionalism.

“They have defended our values and strengthened our resolve, making us all proud," Campo said.

man walking through a path — U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Trace Sheerin, 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle Pilot, returns from a deployment at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 16, 2024. Maintenance and supporting units from the 48th Fighter Wing returned from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, where they provided crucial support to operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Seleena Muhammad-Ali)

patch on flight suit — U.S. Airmen from the 48th Fighter Wing reunite with family members at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 8, 2024. F-15E Strike Eagles and their aircrews from the 494th Fighter Squadron, along with supporting units from the 48th Fighter Wing, returned from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Seleena Muhammad-Ali)

Pilot holding baby — U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Howard, 494th Fighter Squadron pilot, reunites with family members at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 8, 2024. F-15E Strike Eagles and their aircrews from the 494th FS, along with supporting units from the 48th FW, returned from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Renee Nicole S.N. Finona)

woman hold hand made signs — Family members await the return of the 494th Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 8, 2024. F-15E Strike Eagles and their aircrews from the 494th FS returned from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Renee Nicole S.N. Finona)

man holding baby — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bradley Clark, 48th Munitions Squadron munitions support equipment crew chief, holds his son after returning from a deployment at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 16, 2024. Maintenance and supporting units from the 48th Fighter Wing returned from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, where they provided crucial support to operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Seleena Muhammad-Ali)

man and woman hold baby — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darris Little, 494th Fighter Generation Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle crew chief, hugs his fiance, Shemna Ellis, and daughter after returning from a deployment at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 16, 2024. Maintenance and supporting units from the 48th Fighter Wing returned from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, where they provided crucial support to operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Seleena Muhammad-Ali)

man and woman hugging — U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Antonio Andrade, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental technician, hugs his spouse, Suzanne Andrade after returning from a deployment at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 16, 2024. Maintenance and supporting units from the 48th Fighter Wing returned from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, where they provided crucial support to operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Seleena Muhammad-Ali)