F-35 crew chiefs complete their first F-15E hot pit refuel Published Jan. 31, 2025 By Senior Airman Renee Nicole S.N. Finona 48 Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- The 48th Fighter Wing strengthened its mission-ready force by certifying F-35A Lightning II crew chiefs to conduct hot pit refueling for their first time on F-15E Strike Eagles during Exercise Point Blank 25-1, Jan. 27-28, at RAF Marham. The certification process of these crew chiefs is part of the U.S. Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment strategy, which emphasizes flexibility and operational readiness. By training F-35A crew chiefs to refuel F-15Es, the 48th FW cemented its ability to sustain combat airpower with fewer personnel and resources. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Daulton Wightman, 495th Fighter Generation Squadron avionics F35A Lightning II specialist, refuels an F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft during a hot pit refueling at RAF Marham, England, Jan. 27, 2025. Hot pit refueling during the exercise reduced ground time between sorties by refueling active aircraft, maximizing active training time.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “Cross-certifying Airmen across different airframes allows us to be more agile and responsive,” said Master Sgt. Jody Fregia, 495th Fighter Generation Squadron production superintendent. “It means we can operate in more austere locations with a leaner force while still maintaining the same combat effectiveness.” Hot pit refueling is a procedure where aircraft engines remain running while fuel is rapidly replenished, minimizing turnaround time. This capability is critical to ACE operations, allowing fighters to remain airborne with minimal downtime. The initiative extends beyond RAF Lakenheath. As part of Exercise Point Blank 25-1, a multinational training event which enhances interoperability and readiness between U.S. and allied forces, the 48th FW is also conducting hot pit refueling at RAF Marham alongside the Royal Air Force. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Khaliyf Baucom, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels operator, prepares for a hot pit refueling at RAF Marham, England, Jan. 27, 2025. During Exercise Point Blank 25-1, the Liberty Wing focused on numerous practices, such as working out of an unfamiliar NATO base with NATO allies and NATO aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “These exercises not only refine our ACE capabilities but also strengthen our partnerships,” said 1st Lt. Joshua Hettinger, 495th FGS flight commander. “Integrating with our RAF counterparts ensures we’re prepared to operate seamlessly in future coalition operations.” The collaboration enhances interoperability between U.S. and U.K. forces, ensuring both allies can execute sustained air operations in joint environments.