Today at RAF Lakenheath Air Base they bid farewell to the F-15C/D fleet. Since its arrival in 1994, the Eagle held a special place in the hearts of Airmen an Wingmen in the local community around the base.
After more than 45 years of A/B/C/D Eagle operations in Europe the Eagles will begin a new chapter of service in their storied careers as they return home to the US to continue flying in the Air National Guard squadrons dislocated in the CONUS.
The Eagles stationated over 45 years in Europe, based at Soesterberg, Spangdahlem, Bitburg and Lakenheath since 1994. A small period was also based at Reykjavík.
Since today no more Air Superiority jets in Europe, it’s an end of an era.
The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. The first A Model flight was made in July 1972, and the first flight of the two-seat Eagle B model trainer was made in July 1973.
The single-seat F-15C and two-seat D models entered the Air Force inventory beginning in 1979. More than 1200 aircrafts were built, and the line of production is still active.