FighterControl

Snoop 95 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 16, 2020 4:01 pm

Fen Tigers

You spoke, we listened! Here are the finalists for the 495th Fighter Squadron name!

Archangels – opposite of the 493rd FS Reapers

Sabres – Derived from the sword on the unit patch (a cavalry sword with a curved blade, thick back, and guard used to strike, cut, or kill)

Sentinels – Sentry protectors, standing watch (from Latin, sentire to perceive)

Swordsmen – Derived from the sword on the unit patch (similar to the 90th FS “Dicemen”)

Valkyries - In Norse mythology, a Valkyrie is one of a host of female figures who choose those who may die in battle and those who may live.

**https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DFPV7P/**

Click the link and tell us your favorite! Voting ends next Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020!

(U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

Fighterfoto wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 30, 2020 8:10 pm

Flashers

As in Lightning.

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --

The 48th Fighter Wing selected a new nickname for the first U.S. Air Force overseas-based F-35A squadron. The wing solicited help from the public to name the unit. 700 different suggestions were originally submitted in the fall of 2020, and narrowed down to five finalists. In December, thousands of votes were cast in opinion polls, and the Liberty Wing collectively decided that the 495th Fighter Squadron will be called the “Valkyries,” besting four other choices – Archangels, Sabres, Sentinels, and Swordsmen.

In Norse mythology, Valkyries are female figures 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.” Both factors, emphasize “Valkyries” as an extremely suitable nickname for the U.K.-based unit. 

“‘Valkyries’ epitomizes the force’s move toward more inclusivity and equally represents the fifth-generation stealth fighter’s air superiority,” said Lt. Col. Ian McLaughlin, the incoming 495 FS commander. “I am honored to be the first commander of the initial U.S. Air Force overseas-based F-35A unit. Like the Valkyries themselves, they’ll be vital to determining the fate of our adversaries in the battlefield.”

The first F-35As are scheduled to arrive at RAF Lakenheath in late 2021. The base was selected to host the first U.S. F-35A squadrons in Europe based on existing infrastructure, history of fighter operations support, and combined training opportunities. The U.K. is a critical component in training and combat readiness for Air Forces in Europe due to its excellent airspace, and F-35 program partnership. 

“The amount of support we received, and continue to receive, from the community both here and back home has been overwhelming, and highly appreciated,” said Col. Jason Camilletti, 48th Fighter Wing commander. “Basing F-35s at the Liberty Wing will allow us to partner in new ways with one of our closest allies, committed to the capabilities the F-35 will bring to both the USAF and its international partners.”

Please direct media queries to 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs at 48fw.pa@us.af.mil.

FraserP wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 8:52 pm

: Suffolk Punchers?