Accomplishments give way to future success

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel
  • 48th Fighter Wing commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As one year passes and another begins, I would like to take a few moments to reflect on some of the 2006 Liberty Wing achievements. I think everyone would agree this year has been filled with both success and challenge. However, the wing met each new challenge with determination and dedication, achieving victory and raising the bar on both standards and achievement. What an impressive way to kick off our Air Force's 60th anniversary of service to our nation.

The Liberty Wing mission continued to grow and evolve in 2006. In June, we welcomed our 56th Rescue Squadron from Naval Air Station Keflavik into our Lakenheath community, along with five HH-60G Pave Hawks into our RAF Lakenheath inventory. This strong team of professionals, in spite of some challenging move schedules and operational requirements, provided superior search and rescue capability to the Icelandic Defense forces, as well as long-range rescue, humanitarian assistance, non-combatant evacuation and disaster relief capability for U.S. European Command.

On the operational side of the house, our wing was heavily involved in many exercises, evaluations and inspections. Through each of these experiences, from surety inspections to operational readiness exercises, we capitalized on our strengths and took the opportunity to discover areas where we can improve. This constant desire to improve and perfect our operations is what keeps us at the top of our game.

Liberty Airmen were also fiercely engaged in an intense flying hour program. Our aircrews went wheels up more than 12,400 times, putting more than 24,000 flying hours on our jets--a tribute to the maintainers and support specialists who keep us flying.

We embraced the Air Force Smart Operations culture as well, finding new and innovative ways to manage our medical records, improve our Notice to Airmen tracking, streamline our maintenance processes and leverage technology to enhance resource management. We didn't let the budget cuts and manpower draw down stop us from shacking our 48th Fighter Wing mission: to provide responsive combat air power, support and services to meet our nation's and our Allies' international objectives.

However, our accomplishments are not relegated to just the Liberty Wing; many of our greatest accomplishments were realized far from home, fighting the War on Terror. This year the Liberty Wing saw more than 2,200 warriors and 100 aircraft deploy around the world to fight and serve with honor.

We made history with the first-ever successful employment of the GBU-39/Small Diameter Bomb in combat operations. From our maintainers and logisticians who forged the way in our Suite 5 upgrade, to our operators who dropped the first GBU-39 over the skies of Iraq, the 48th FW's legacy grew with this momentous Air Force first. In addition, our Liberty Wing medics provided comfort and care to those in war zones world wide. We saw individuals performing combat operations, driving convoys with our Army brethren through some of the most challenging streets and neighborhoods in the world. And our combat supporters ensured rapid movement and home-based support of personnel and cargo, flawlessly enabling the mission to continue.

Your sacrifice and service has been recognized with the overwhelming distinction you have brought back with you--stories of courage and valor, of selflessness and heroism. I am continually humbled by the selfless nature of our Liberty warriors. You have provided countless examples of service before self, and I applaud each of you for aggressively and consciously upholding the values upon which our Air Force is based.

I also would like to cheer on those Airmen, civilians, Ministry of Defence employees and dependents who remained on the home front, supporting our troops' families and ensuring day to day mission success. You put readiness and excellence at the forefront and serve as a model to other bases Air Force wide. I recognize this is no small task, as your workloads increase when others deploy. Thank you for all of your hard work and extra effort.

As we all know, a key part of the mission is taking care of our people. We saw many examples of this across the wing. Volunteerism was at an all time high--with Liberty Wing members taking care of their wing family and their extended British family both inside and outside the base gates. From our monthly deployed spouses' dinners, our July 4th celebration at RAF Feltwell, the hard work put into our spring and Holiday Bazaars, and many other events and organizations, I realize this base couldn't run without the stellar, dedicated support of our volunteers.

In addition, the Liberty Wing brought online some exemplary quality of life improvements for our Airmen and families. Just last week, our 48th Civil Engineer Squadron and Defence Estates celebrated the grand opening of the first phase of the newly revamped Liberty Village housing area--providing a higher, more energy-efficient standard of living for our Airmen. Our 48th Mission Support Squadron also opened the doors to RAF Lakenheath's new Airman and Family Readiness Center in May, improving upon an already stunning array of support programs and family services for our Liberty community. And the 48th Services Squadron continued to ensure quality of life initiatives remain at the forefront of their endeavors--from hosting Tops in Blue, offering innumerable Information, Tickets and Travel events and opening of the Afterburner grill in our new Sports and Fitness Center, there's never a lack of new events and programs to keep our community strong, active and engaged.

As we make our way into the New Year, keep your eye on the ball. Remember what keeps RAF Lakenheath at the top and make strides to keep us there. Continually look for new and innovative ways to enhance your job and mitigate risk. Remain vigilant in all endeavors, whether on the job or on vacation. Constantly staying aware of your environment, whether on the wintry roads or in a crowded pub, improves your safety, your Wingman's safety and the lives of your family and friends.

It is my sincere wish to each member of this amazing wing for a healthy, safe and prosperous 2007--personally and professionally. I am continually impressed with the quality of individuals we attract and employ at RAF Lakenheath. The Liberty Wing has a long tradition of excellence and, based on your performances over this past year, it is certain to me this legacy will continue. You continue to inspire me with service to your nation--for this I salute you. Congratulations on your successes this year, and I look forward to sharing in our future triumphs!