USAF gjenåpner 495th Fighter Squadron på RAF Lakenheath - Military Aviation

 

U.S. Air Force Officially Activates 495th Fighter Squadron At RAF Lakenheath

October 4, 2021 Military Aviation

STEFANO D'URSO

Here is how the future 495th Fighter Squadron’s flagship F-35A might look like. (Original photo by U.S. Air Force  Master Sgt. Eric Burks, edited by Stefano D’Urso/The Aviationist)

The “Valkyries” will be the first Europe-based USAF F-35 squadron, with the first aircraft expected to arrive at their new home later this year.

During an official ceremony at RAF Lakenheath on October 1, 2021, the U.S. Air Force in Europe reactivated the 495th Fighter Squadron as part of the 48th Fighter Wing. The press release mentions that the unit was activated at a specific, symbolic time, 8:49 and 50 second, which is exactly 30 years since the former 495th Tactical Fighter Squadron was redesignated as Fighter Squadron, shortly before its inactivation and the retirement of the F-111F Aardvark at RAF Lakenheath in 1991.