Local British dignitaries honored during summer reception

Attendees of an Honorary Commanders summer reception observe daily flying operations at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 10, 2015. Honorary Commanders and local British dignitaries witnessed a birds of prey and military working dog demonstration and several unit displays providing Airmen the opportunity to interact with key leaders and local British dignitaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin O’Shea/Released)

Local British dignitaries honored during summer reception

Three F-15E Strike Eagles conduct daily operations during an Honorary Commanders summer reception at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 10, 2015. The reception allowed local dignitaries and British leaders the chance to visit the base to encourage continual partnership between key leaders of the local civilian and military communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin O’Shea/Released)

Local British dignitaries honored during summer reception

Airmen and local community leaders head towards a control tower to observe a display prepared for an Honorary Commanders summer reception at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 10, 2015. Attendees witnessed a birds of prey and military working dog demonstration and several unit displays, providing Airmen the opportunity to interact with key leaders and local British dignitaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin O’Shea/Released)

Local British dignitaries honored during summer reception

Keith Mutton, Phoenix Bird Control falconer, assists a local British dignitary during a birds of prey demonstration at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 10, 2015. Honorary Commanders and local British dignitaries were treated to a birds of prey and military working dog demonstration and several unit displays, providing Airmen the opportunity to interact with key leaders and local British dignitaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin O’Shea/Released)

Local British dignitaries honored during summer reception

Staff Sgt. Ronald Dunmyer, 48th Munitions Squadron conventional maintenance crew member, interacts with local British dignitaries during an Honorary Commanders summer reception at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 10, 2015. The reception allowed local dignitaries and British leaders the chance to visit the base to encourage continual partnership between local key leaders and military communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin O’Shea/Released)

Local British dignitaries honored during summer reception

Airman 1st Class Devan Trammel, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, interacts with local British dignitaries during an Honorary Commanders summer reception at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 10, 2015. The reception allowed local dignitaries and British leaders the chance to visit the base to encourage continual partnership between local key leaders and military communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin O’Shea/Released)

Local British dignitaries honored during summer reception

Senior Airman Patric Naranjo, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, interacts with local British dignitaries during an Honorary Commanders summer reception at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 10, 2015. The reception allowed local dignitaries and British leaders the chance to visit the base to encourage continual partnership between local key leaders and military communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin O’Shea/Released)

Local British dignitaries honored during summer reception

A 48th Security Forces Squadron Airman performs a military working dog demonstration during an Honorary Commanders summer reception at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 10, 2015. Honorary Commanders and local British dignitaries witnessed a birds of prey and military working dog demonstration and several unit displays, providing Airmen the opportunity to interact with key leaders and local British dignitaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin O’Shea/Released)

Local British dignitaries honored during summer reception

Published July 15, 2015
By Senior Airman Erin O'Shea
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- More than 100 local civilian key leaders were invited by Col. Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander, to interact with Airmen during an annual summer reception intended to encourage partnership between key leaders of the local civilian and military communities.

These key leaders included High Sheriffs of three counties, mayors, chairmen of county, district and parish councils, Honorary Commanders and military colleagues.

"It's a nice way of thanking the community for their support of what we do, and gives them an opportunity to see behind the wire," said Stephanie Robins, 48th FW community relations advisor.

The reception allowed attendees to speak with Airmen from various units, and take a sneak peak at some of the mission essential duties they perform on a daily basis.

"The best experience is getting to know how we impact the society outside," said Senior Airman Patric Noranjo, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman. "When we have civic leaders, we get to influence them and show them what all the noise is we create. It's nice to share our knowledge with them and to give them a broader view of how exactly we are impacting their society as well as ours."

After observing aircraft activity, the local dignitaries were treated to an F-15E Strike Eagle static, a military working dog and birds of prey demonstration, a barbeque lunch and displays from 48th FW assets to highlight their capabilities.

"The British are our right hand partners in everything that we do, so getting them onboard with what we do is a key step to making our mission happen," Noranjo said. "That relationship we create makes our job and our lives that much easier."