First USAF outside CONUS based Lightnings arrive at Lakenheath
As expected, on 15 December 2021, the first 495th Fighter Squadron Valkyries/48th Fighter Wing Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs arrived at RAF Lakenheath (UK).
The first four USAF Lightning IIs to be outside the Continental United States (CONUS), serials 19-5473, 19-5474, 19-5475 and 19-5476, and already adorned with LN code, arrived in the afternoon at Lakenheath and were greeted by an enormous amount of people in and outside the fence.
The units nickname Valkyries was officially published by the USAF on the RAF Lakenheath website on 16 February 2021. The 48th FW solicited help from the public to name the unit.
According to the Liberty Wing, Valkyries are female figures in the Norse mythology who choose those that will live, or die, in battle. RAF Lakenheath is in the East of England, an area with extensive Viking and Norse history. Additionally, the 495th Fighter Squadron motto: Mala Ipsa Nova in Latin, means Bad News Itself.
During their non-stop delivery flight from Lockheed Martin's plant at Fort Worth (TX), the Lakenheath Lightnings were accompanied by Blue 81 (Nebraska Air National Guard's 173rd ARS KC-135R 59-1495) on the first part of the flight and by Blue 82 (Air Mobility Command's 305th AMW KC-10A 84-0189) during the second part of the flight over the Atlantic Ocean.
The next batch of F-35As to be delivered to the 495th FS is scheduled for 2 March 2022. Of course this could be subject to changes.
Photo by Heart News East