US Air Force,
ROYAL AIR FORCES FAIRFORD, England: Capt. Andy Gilbert and his fellow Airmen in the 494th Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath enjoyed a change of pace from their usual mission.
Captain Gilbert, an F-15E Strike Eagle weapons system officer, took part in the Royal International Air Tattoo held here July 14 and 15. The air tattoo, billed as the world's largest military air show, turns the normally quiet town of Fairford, England, into a landing pad for military aircraft from around the world.
RAF Fairford has hosted nearly 150,000 spectators for RIAT every July since 1985 when it replaced RAF Greenham as the venue. Started in 1971, the show raises money for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and changes its themes every year. This year the themes, “Agile and Adaptive” and the “U.S. Air Force's 60th Anniversary,” were at the forefront of the show.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the U.S. Air Force to celebrate our 60th Anniversary,” said Captain Gilbert.
He and his Strike Eagle also were the perfect fit for this year's RIAT theme of “Agile and Adaptive.” As Captain Gilbert explained the capabilities of the Strike Eagle to spectators, members of the 494th FS demonstration team cut through the sunny sky over Fairford displaying those same attributes. Spectators agreed.
“Brilliant,” was the word that spectator James Denning used to describe the chance to be so close to the F-15 Strike Eagle.
“Meeting and discussing these aircraft with the American pilots is a great opportunity,” said Mr. Denning. “They're always ready and willing to answer any question about these technically advanced aircraft.”
Captain Gilbert added that not only was it a great opportunity to interact with the crowd but it also gave him the chance to become reacquainted with some of his NATO counterparts with whom he had become friends at a recent NATO leadership course.
“The chance to see them again is great,” he said.
The F-15Es from RAF Lakenheath weren't the only U.S. Air Forces in Europe aircraft in the show. As the lead command supporting RIAT, USAFE also displayed an A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-130 Hercules, C-21, F-16 Fighting Falcon and KC-135 Stratotanker, along with a USAFE Heritage Display. The display featured models in World War II Army Air Corps uniforms and gave visitors a chance to learn more about the 65-year history of USAFE.
