CSAF, CMSAF visit 48 FW, highlight mission priorities

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Davis
  • 438th Fighter Wing
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, his wife, Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe, and his wife, Dr. Doniel Wolfe, visited the 48th Fighter Wing Dec. 19.

This visit kicked off a seven-base tour to meet with Airmen around the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility who stand watch 365 days a year. 

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach addresses a crowd of 48th Fighter Wing Airmen during a visit to RAF Lakenheath, England, Dec. 19, 2025.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach addresses a crowd of 48th Fighter Wing Airmen during a visit to RAF Lakenheath, England, Dec. 19, 2025. Wilsbach emphasized the Air Force’s crucial role in the European theater and how its forward presence helps protect the U.S. homeland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sierra Casteel)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

“We know many of you are away from your families and friends this holiday season, and we wish you well and thank you for what you do,” said Wilsbach.

The CSAF and CMSAF held an all-call to emphasize that in every career field readiness, modernization and innovation all play key roles in flying and fixing to deter any adversary.

It’s the job of every leader in this room, which means every person in this room, to convince those around you that what we do is important,” said Wolfe.

Wilsbach and Wolfe immersed themselves in several of the Liberty Wing’s key mission areas to include weapons, security forces, airfield operations and command post.

The mission briefs and tours demonstrated how the Liberty Wing utilizes the strengths of nearly 7,000 active-duty and British and U.S. civilian personnel across RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell. As the largest U.S. fighter operation in Europe, the wing employs four combat-ready fighter squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning II aircraft. 

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach poses for a photo with U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class James Skinner, 48th Operations Support Squadron airfield management apprentice, during a visit to RAF Lakenheath, England, Dec. 19, 2025.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach poses for a photo with U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class James Skinner, 48th Operations Support Squadron airfield management apprentice, during a visit to RAF Lakenheath, England, Dec. 19, 2025. Wilsbach emphasized the Air Force’s crucial role in the European theater and how its forward presence helps protect the U.S. homeland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Delanie Brown)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

During the visit, the Key Support Liaisons also dedicated time to meet with the 48th Medical Group, base community center, child development center and more, reinforcing leadership’s charge to ensure we are taking care of our wingmen left and right.

“What I’d like for you to do,” said Wolfe, “is think about somebody you know that needs some help… and in the next couple of days, go help them.”

Before departing, the CSAF left Liberty Wing Airmen with one final message.
 


“What we do is hard, and doing hard things together builds strong teams. Everyone in this room is part of a winning team and has a connection to flying and fixing, no matter your job.”
Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach