493rd FS 'Grim Reapers'

[IanOlder]

With the draw down of operations already underway the 493rd FS 'Grim Reapers', the final European based USAF F-15C Eagle squadron, here's a few images of the current Squadron jets including a couple that recently left the UK. The C model Eagles (and a couple of D's) have been present at Lakenheath since 1993 and will be much missed when the final fighter leaves.
Several of the jets have combat pedigree albeit some with their previous Sqn's.
Mors Inimicis - Death to the Enemy.

84-0001 by Ian Older, on Flickr

'The King' was the Heritage C model, an Su-22 killer that left the Squadron earlier this year.

84-0010 by Ian Older, on Flickr

Another will a kill marking for an Iraqi PC-9 - 84-0015 was also the CO jet when this shot was taken.

84-0015 by Ian Older, on Flickr

84-0019 was credited with kills of 2 x Iraqi Su-25

84-0019 by Ian Older, on Flickr

Another jet with two kills 84-0027 was the most recent CO jet but lost its markings earlier this month.

84-0027 - F-15C Eagle by Ian Older, on Flickr

84-0044_1 by Ian Older, on Flickr

84-0046 - F-15D Eagle by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0154 - F-15C Eagle by Ian Older, on Flickr

Double killer - 0156

86-0156 by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0159 - Mig 29 killer

86-0159 by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0160 by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0163_1 by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0164 - F-15C Eagle by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0165 - F15C Eagle by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0166 - F-15C Eagle by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0171 F-15C Eagle by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0172 - F15C Eagle by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0174 - F-15C - 493rd FS 'Grim Reapers' by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0175_1 by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0176 by Ian Older, on Flickr

86-0178 F-15C Eagle by Ian Older, on Flickr

Thanks for looking if you made it this far.
Pleased to have caught most of the 493rd jets over the years. LN wont be the same without them.

[colt41]

A very nice set of 493rd thanks for posting.

[mikemike]

Great pictures, I will be very sorry to see Lakenheath last ''Fighter'' squadron leave.

[Blackcat1]

Superb shots! I've been lucky to see them at LN and of course many times in LFA7! Will be sad to see them go!

[paddyboy]

Hi Ian

Superb set there

Sure the boys will return to LN eventually

Just not with F15’s

Reapers always rule

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[gvr]

Awesome pics. As a former Soesterberg spotter this brings back so much memories. Still the best fighter around!

[markranger]

Lovely Set of images Ian,

[BobTog]

Great shots

[Sentinal]

Excellent post thanks for sharing.

[Blue fox]

Great set recording the jet's of the 493rd.

[dragonchaser]

A fitting tribute to the Reapers, excellent selection.

[MR TERRY GREEN]

Lovely set, of a great plane.

[Stratocruiser]

Saw my first F-15C (a Bitburg machine) at Mildenhall Air Fete in 1981 and remember how impressive it was then; it follows that your pics really do it justice!
Thanks for sharing your superb shots of this iconic bird

[stinkymanor]

Great group of pictures and they are in numerical order .
Will miss these guys .

[Marauder]

great photos, i enjoyed those.