A Welcome Return to RAF Lakenheath
Today marked my first time back to Lakenheath since January (due to the lockdown) and it was good to be back, especially on such a lovely sunny day with blue skies. It’s usually busy with lots of spectators but was even more so today. The viewing area and the road leading up to it was packed but I stuck to my usual spot just on the corner of the forest on the A1065 adjacent to the threshold of Runway 24. Today was not an exception - Runway 24 was in use for take off and landings. Personally, I favour this spot for photography because regardless of the season, the sun is generally behind - indeed, photography from the viewing area over the other side of the runway can present silhouette problems because of the angle of light. And today, with almost clear skies and strong August sun I needed to avoid shooting into it and rather using it to light up the aircraft on approach.
For the resident 48th Fighter Wing, comprising of F15C/Ds from the 493rd Fighter Squadron and F15E Strike Eagles from the 492nd and 494th Squadrons, it was a busy morning! A total of 14 aircraft departed and returned at various intervals, some returning to land and some opting to run through a few circuits before retuning back to base. An unusual sight at Lakenheath - more commonly found just down the road at Mildenhall - was a couple of KC-135 tankers landing and remaining on base for the remainder of the day. On this occasion, all flying was completed before lunchtime leaving a very quiet afternoon.
