A RAF F-35B Lightning from RAF Marham along with a USAF B-1B Lancer and an F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft for multiple flypasts in the UK on February 1, 2022, to celebrate the Eighth Air Force’s 80th anniversary.
A US Air Force (USAF) B-1B Lancer, an F-15 Strike Eagle, and a Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B Lightning II aircraft from RAF Marham performed many flypasts throughout the UK on February 1, 2022, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Eighth Air Force.
The B-1B strategic bombers, which had flown directly from the US, the F-15s, and the Royal Air Force’s F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet participated in the flypasts at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Duxford, according to a Royal Air Force news release. The largest air museum in Europe is now located where a P-51 squadron from the Eighth Air Force formerly resided.
The VIII Bomber Command was founded on February 1st, 1942, at Langley Field, Virginia. Shortly after, it relocated to England, first to RAF Daws Hill, then to RAF High Wycombe, the RAF’s Bomber Command, where it set up its wartime headquarters in the Wycombe Abbey School. Targets throughout France, the Low Countries, and Germany were strategically bombed by the Eighth Air Force, a US Army Air Force Combat Air Force with a focus on the European Theatre.
“The Eighth Air Force has a long, rich history that dates back to World War II. Not only does this flight signify the longevity and reach of the United States bomber force, but it pays tribute to our UK allies as well. Eighth Air Force has had a close relationship with the Royal Air Force since its beginning.” Major General Andrew Gebara, Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center Commander said. “For 80 years, bomber operations have remained a vital component to U.S. strategic forces.”
“Today’s sortie was an excellent opportunity for 207 Squadron to operate alongside our NATO partners whilst commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Eighth Air Force. Our ability to integrate our assets with NATO allies further strengthens our ability to flexibly employ Air Power across the NATO partnership.” Commander Tim Flatman, Officer Commanding 207 Squadron, said.
Due to its size and strength during WWII, the Eighth Air Force was known as “The Mighty Eighth.” The unit had more than 200,000 members by the middle of 1944. While it was at its most effective, the Mighty Eighth could, if necessary, send more than 1,000 four-engine bombers and different types of fighter aircraft on a single mission. The Eighth Air Force was reorganized into the US Strategic Air Forces in Europe on February 22, 1944, and is now known as US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE).
The RAF collaborates with the Bomber Task Force (BTF) all year long and has done so for a number of years, giving us the opportunity to work and train with allies. To escort BTF aircraft in UK airspace, Quick Reaction Alert is typically used. BTFs demonstrate the US Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy and integrate with NATO allies and coalition partners. These exercises highlight the RAF and USAFE’s interoperability.
Photo by Cpl Scott, RAF Leeming
