New commander accepts the torch of command at Liberty Wing Published June 21, 2024 By Airman 1st Class Delanie Brown 48th Fighter Wing RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Paul Moga, Third Air Force commander, delivers his remarks at the 48th Fighter Wing change of command ceremony at RAF Lakenheath, England, June 21, 2024. Moga, the presiding officer for the ceremony, held the responsibility of overseeing the passage of command between the outgoing and incoming 48th Fighter Wing commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Col. Jack R. Arthaud assumed command of the 48th Fighter Wing during a change of command ceremony June 21. Arthaud replaced Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo as the 48th FW commander and U.S. Country Representative to the United Kingdom after serving as the deputy director of operations, strategic deterrence, and nuclear integration at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa. As the ceremony’s presiding officer, Maj. Gen. Paul Moga, Third Air Force commander, exclaimed to attendees that the Liberty Wing has “officially hit the powerball, again, in the wing commander lottery.” U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo, left, 48th Fighter Wing outgoing commander, and Col. Jack R. Arthaud, 48th Fighter Wing incoming commander, listen to the opening remarks during a change of command ceremony at RAF Lakenheath, England, June 21, 2024. During the ceremony, Campo relinquished command of the 48th FW to Arthaud. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Amongst listing Arthaud’s notable career achievements, to include co-writing the 2018 National Defense Strategy, Moga stated he “is the perfect fit for this wing.” Upon accepting command, Arthaud expressed his excitement for serving at RAF Lakenheath. “It’s quite an honor to get this chance to take command of the 48th Fighter Wing, a wing that has a tremendous history and lineage,” said Arthaud. “To the men and women of the Fightin’ 48th, I’m thankful to join your team. I’m thankful to build combat (airpower), strong Airmen and to assure deterrence together.” U.S. Air Force Col. Jack R. Arthaud, 48th Fighter Wing incoming commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at RAF Lakenheath, England, June 21, 2024. As commander, Arthaud leads four combat ready fighter squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning IIs, empowering the largest U.S. fighter operation in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res As commander of the only wing in the Air Force with an official name, the “Statue of Liberty Wing,” Arthaud is responsible for nearly 7,000 active-duty personnel, British and U.S. civilians, and 11,000 family members. Additionally, as the USCR, Arthaud directs the host nation coordination cell and liaises with the U.K government, Ministry of Defence, and the U.S. Embassy on behalf of the 24,000 U.S. Visiting Forces covered under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement. Employing four combat ready fighter squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning II, the Liberty Wing is the largest U.S. fighter operation in Europe. The 48th FW provides all-weather, day or night air superiority and air-to-ground precision combat capability along with multi-staged improvement program avionics.