Soaring into history Published Aug. 28, 2015 By Senior Airman Nigel Sandridge 48th Fighter Wing Public affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Blazing through the skies over RAF Lakenheath, the Avro Vulcan XH558 made one of its last flights in England. Scheduled to retire in September, the Avro Vulcan XH558 has been a symbol of history and nostalgia throughout the United Kingdom since its first flight in 1960 through display flights and its participation in the Cold War. "It was an unbelievable experience I'll never forget," said Senior Airman Trevor T. McBride, 48th Fighter Wing photojournalist. "Not only did I just receive an amazing opportunity to fly in an F-15C Eagle, I was able to document a major historical event here in the U.K." The Vulcan flew in unison with a pair of F-15C Eagles over the base following its appearance at an air show. The Vulcan XH558 in the formation was the first to be delivered to the RAF and now the last complete Vulcan in the world. "The Vulcan topped my expectations," said Col. Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander. "The Vulcan is such a unique aircraft and seeing such an iconic plane fly with our Lakenheath fighters really brings home our alliance." Aviation enthusiasts packed the viewing area near base, capturing amazing shots of one of the plane's final flights in the Suffolk area. "It's been an absolutely wonderful experience to be by the U.S. Air Force to shoot such an historic event," said Stuart Thurtle, photographer for Simply Planes. "I'm lucky to have been provided such an opportunity to see one of the last viewings of such a nostalgic plane."