48th Fighter Wing

48th Fighter Wing
48th Fighter Wing Insignia
Active	June 25, 1952
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Fighter
Size	Wing
Part of	United States Air Forces Europe
Garrison/HQ	RAF Lakenheath
Nickname(s)	STATUE DE LA LIBERTÉ - Statue of Liberty

The 48th Fighter Wing (48 FW), formerly 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, was part of the United States Air Force Third Air Force, now assigned to HQ Air Command Europe, is based at RAF Lakenheath, England and is the only F-15 unit based in Europe. It was given the name "Statue of Liberty Wing" on July 4th, 1954 and remains the only USAF unit with both a name and a numerical designation. The wing was involved in Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Provide Comfort, (enforcing the no-fly zone over Northern Iraq), in 1991, Operation Deliberate Guard in 1997, (enforcing the no-fly zone over the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina), and Operation Allied Force in Bosnia in 1999.

The 48 FW operates in support of U.S. Air Forces Europe, U.S. European Command and NATO.

History

The wing was orginally formed in November of 1940 as the 48th Bombardment Group (Light). The initially flew the Douglas B-18 but soon transitioned to the A-20 Havoc. By the end of World War II they were flying the P-47 Thunderbolt. The unit was deactivated following the war but reactivated in May of 1952 as the 48th Bomber Wing flying the F-84 Thunderjet and based out of Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France. The Wing was re-equipped with F-86 Sabres on July 4, 1954. During this time they were also known for being the unit that provided the demonstration team for the United States Air Forces in Europe known as the Skyblazers.

The unit's nickname came about during this time due to the efforts of the local mayor in Chaumont. The designer of the Statue of Liberty, Frédéric Bartholdi, was from only a few miles down the road. This and the popularity of the unit led to the adoption of "Statue de la Liberte Wing" on July 4, 1954.

In late 1955 the Wing transitioned to the F-100 Super Sabre and in July 1958 they changed their moniker to the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Organization

File:SoL Subdued.jpg

"Subdued" version

In mid-1991, the wing begun restructuring under the Objective Wing Program, realigning its maintenance-fighter squadron work force and establishing several command positions to include the logistics group, operations group, medical group and support group commanders. Under this program, the word "Tactical" was removed from Fighter Wing designations.

48th Operations Group

Formerly the 48th Fighter-Bomber Group. Provides three flying squadrons of F-15C/D/E aircraft capable of accomplishing fighter operations worldwide and one operations support squadron. Prepares aircrew and support personnel to accomplish USAFE, U.S. European Command and NATO war plans and contingency operations. Provides equipment, training, scheduling, analysis, weather, intelligence, standardization and evaluation, and command and control for an efficient flying operation.

• 492d Fighter Squadron
  The 492d Fighter Squadron, "Madhatters", employs the F-15E Strike Eagle and is capable of executing strategic attack, interdiction, and counter air missions in support of USAFE, USEUCOM and NATO operations. Employs the full array of air superiority and surface attack munitions to include the most advanced precision-guided weapons in the USAF inventory. Capable of deploying to any theater of operations in the world.

• 493d Fighter Squadron
  The 493d Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the "Grim Reapers", at RAF Lakenheath, England, is the only F-15C/D Eagle fighter squadron assigned to USAFE. The 493 FS is capable of executing air superiority and air defense missions in support of USAFE, USEUCOM and NATO war plans and contingency operations. Employs the world’s finest air-to-air weapons and electronic identification systems. Maintains the ability to rapidly generate, deploy, and sustain operations to execute wartime and peacetime taskings in any theater of operations in the world. The unit has flown the F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft at Lakenheath since 1994.

File:494FS.gif

• 494th Fighter Squadron
  The 494th Fighter Squadron "Panthers" also employs the F-15E Strike Eagle and is capable of executing strategic attack, interdiction, and counter air missions in support of USAFE, USEUCOM and NATO war plans and contingency operations. Employs the full array of air superiority and surface attack munitions to include the most advanced precision-guided weapons in the USAF inventory. Capable of deploying to any theater of operations in the world.

• 48th Operations Support Squadron

48th Maintenance Group

Responsible for all organizational and intermediate level maintenance for F-15 C/D/E aircraft, engines, munitions and support equipment used by all three fighter squadrons to accomplish USAFE, U.S. European Command and NATO commitments and taskings. Ensures readiness for all personnel and aircraft fleet health through planning, analysis and programming for manpower, funds, equipment, training and facility requirements.

48th Mission Support Group

The 48 MSG executes expeditionary and in-garrison personnel, logistics, communications, contracting, engineering and services support for USAFE's only lead Air Expeditionary wing. It also provides force protection for infrastructure, facilities, and personnel at home and deployed locations and enhances the quality of life and quality of service for our military, civilian and dependent personnel assigned to RAF Lakenheath and surrounding community.

48th Medical Group

The 48 MDG supports the combat capability of the 48th Fighter Wing, 100th Air Refueling Wing and 352d Special Operations Group by delivering quality health care to its beneficiaries. Serves as USAFE's premier specialty referral center. The hospital treats 180,000 outpatients and 2,000 inpatients annually at 7 operating locations and maintains Expeditionary Medical Support (EMEDS).

External links

1. 48th Fighter Wing & RAF Lakenheath Official Site: http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/
2. Information on the 48th FW @ GlobalSecurity.org[1]