It was a gratifying day out at RAF Lakenheath in October 1994. I had been at RAF Waddington, followed by Conningsby, for a few days. Meanwhile, down at RAF Lakenheath, exercise "Cold Fire" was underway, and I visited to see what was happening. I knew the Norwegian Air Force was participating, but that was about it!
I later learned from friends that six WA F-4Gs would arrive from the Middle East just after lunchtime as they transit through Lakenheath on their way home to Nellis Air Force Base.
They are seen here in their landing order.
It was approaching runway 24 at Lakenheath.
Like many other F-4Gs, its fate would become that of a QF-4G (AF142) with the 475th Weapons Group Detachment 1.
Like many other F-4Gs, its fate would become that of a QF-4G (AF142) with the 475th Weapons Group Detachment 1.
69-0263 F-4G 'WA' USAF, Nellis 'Wild Weasel.'
It was modified to a QF-4G (AF138) 475WEG det1.
Later modified to a QF-4G, (AF160) 53WEG
Retired to AMARC 03 2000.
69-7211 F4C 'WA.'
Later, to become a QF-4G, (AF145) 53WEG.
Sometimes, you can wait all day for an aircraft, and then we have Klu F-16s following the F-4G's.
The F-16s were involved in the Cold Fire exercise.
69-7211 'WA' F-4G USAF is taxiing for departure from Lakenheath.
The F-4G 'Wild Weasel' was an aircraft that destroyed, neutralised, or debased enemy radar-directed surface-to-air risks.
69-0263 "WA' F-4G USAF.
It is an early start at Lakenheath as the 'Nellis Weasels' head home.
69-7232 'WA' F-4G USAF.
During the Gulf War, 61 F-4Gs were deployed to the theatre; their principal base was Bahrain, while 12 aircraft were stationed at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.
69-7212 'WA' F-4G USAF.
The Weasel was the weapon of choice in providing lethal SEAD escort to high-value assets.
69-7211,212,232, 0263 'WA' F-4G's USAF from Nellis airbase, seen departing Lakenheath.
These aircraft were so crucial to air operations over Iraq that they were nicknamed the "Weasel Police". They established a nearly continuous presence, ensuring that all aircraft heading into the KTO had an electronic warfare umbrella in place.
You noticed only four aircraft departed?
83-0488 C-130H 139AS NJ/ANG was the support aircraft for the Lakenheath, USA leg. It had arrived from Lajes on October 4, 1994.
83-0488 C-130H 139AS NJ/ANG
They were returning to Lajes on the morning of October 6, 1994.
As for the F-4G's left behind at Lakenheath 69-0278 and 69-0286.
It becomes complicated.
On October 12, at least 10 'Nellis Weasels' arrived from Nellis, travelling East. They included the four who had departed a week earlier for the West. What made it a little enjoyable was that one of the new arrivals carried the serial 69-7286.
There were now two F-4 Gs at Lakenheath with the same last three of their serial numbers!
On October 17, ten aircraft departed for the Middle East, leaving two aircraft at Lakenheath, and you guessed it, they were 69-0286 and 69-7286.
They both departed Westerly for the US, having entertained the local spotters!
Meanwhile, the"Cold Fire" exercise continued apace at RAF Lakenheath.
ET-198 F-16B Eskadrille 726 Aalborg.
91-0260, 91-309, and 91-310 F-15E (LN) 493rd 'Bolars' FS 48th FW USAF.
What a memorable morning at Lakenheath nearly 26 years ago!
86-0173 (LN) F-15C 493FS 'Grim Reapers' 48FW USAF.
91-0313 F-15E (LN) 494th FS 'Panthers' 48th FW USAF.
Recovering to RAF Lakenheath.
91-0317 (LN) F-15E 494th FS 'Panthers' 48th FW USAF.
I'm on the road for home as its gear goes up for a go-around!
Happy days! Indeed.
