US: F-35s to Europe in 2020, Mildenhall closes

[gortje]

There is no decision been made about the F-15C/D's of Lakenheath.
The option is indeed that they will moved to Spangdahlem or they will moved back to the States.
The F-15E's will stay at Lakenheath next to the F-35s.

[nellis6]

There is no decision been made about the F-15C/D's of Lakenheath.
The option is indeed that they will moved to Spangdahlem or they will moved back to the States.
The F-15E's will stay at Lakenheath next to the F-35s.

The F-15C/D of 493FS ARE being returned to CONUS. As to the F-15 staying alongside the F-35, that is simply not true. The F-15E will also return to CONUS and LN will have 2 F-35 squadrons only

[raameagle]

That's all well and good Mike but what is your source. You sound very certain with your statements.

We are a few years away from anything happening with regards to aircraft moving or being replaced. There is plenty of time for it all to change (with the exception of Mildenhall closing probably) and only time will tell. A new Government or the next BRAC will bring more changes no doubt.

[nellis6]

That's all well and good Mike but what is your source. You sound very certain with your statements.

We are a few years away from anything happening with regards to aircraft moving or being replaced. There is plenty of time for it all to change (with the exception of Mildenhall closing probably) and only time will tell. A new Government or the next BRAC will bring more changes no doubt.

The sources are from official statements. I appreciate that things change, let's face it, Obamam and his government are unlikely to be in power in 2 years time. But as it stands, the F-15E's will go and be replaced by F-35s and the F-15C/D will be gone next year.

[K-9]

Asked for which source you've got the info from. You say: official statements ...
Would you be so kind to share these here?
Can't find any article sharing such info. Only a recently held interview at the 493rd, saying they might be disbanded.
But then again internet is wide ...

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[raameagle]

I concur. I haven't seen anything 'official' that states the Strike Eagles will be replaced by the F-35s, rather than operate alongside. I can imagine two Sqns of Lightning IIs and one of F-15Es...

Mike, no criticism aimed in your direction, just trying to ascertain the facts but as I mentioned earlier, plenty of time for everything to change lol!

Regards

[Stefan]

I concur. I haven't seen anything 'official' that states the Strike Eagles will be replaced by the F-35s, rather than operate alongside. I can imagine two Sqns of Lightning IIs and one of F-15Es...

Mike, no criticism aimed in your direction, just trying to ascertain the facts but as I mentioned earlier, plenty of time for everything to change lol!

http://www.stripes.com/news/europe/raf- ... s-1.322825
"As Lakenheath prepares to host F-35s beginning in 2020, the current plan is to keep the F-15s at the base through the summer of 2016, Andrews said. Plans for the interim are still being considered."

[raameagle]

I wonder if that refers to the C model? Who knows...

[raclim]

I was scrolling down the USAFE facebook page and someone asked if the f-35's will join or replace the f-15's at lakenheath

This was the answer given by the admin(s):
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa
RC-135s will be moving to an undetermined location in the UK and the F-35s will be complementing the F-15s until a decision is made as to what will happen with those squadrons. The F-35s will not be fully capable there until 2022.

But we should keep in mind that the military facebook pages often make mistakes.

[Alpha Kilo One]

But we should keep in mind that the military facebook pages often make mistakes.

You mean: Try to make things hazy?

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[raclim]

But we should keep in mind that the military facebook pages often make mistakes.

You mean: Try to make things hazy?

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Thats probably is a better way to describe it

[sp00k]

Can the "Flying Bathtub" really replace the Strike Eagle?

Maybe after a whole heck lot of upgrades..

I mean the F-15E started out as a regular F-15C, so who knows 10 years after the F-35 has been flying it will be upgraded with increased power, wing area, fast pack..etc to the F-35E, and it might get close to 1/2 of what the F-15E can carry

[Richard from Rotterdam]

Can't find a link to the news article, but last week ACC Chief Gen. Mark Welsh stated at an air force symposium that at Lakenheath both F-15Es and F-35s will fly together. 48 JSFs in two squadrons, so it looks like there will be an additional squadron for the 48th FW, presuming the 493rd will be one of the two F-35 units. There is no plan to replace the F-15E with the F-35.

Will dig a bit deeper to find the relating article.

[raclim]

Can't find a link to the news article, but last week ACC Chief Gen. Mark Welsh stated at an air force symposium that at Lakenheath both F-15Es and F-35s will fly together. 48 JSFs in two squadrons, so it looks like there will be an additional squadron for the 48th FW, presuming the 493rd will be one of the two F-35 units. There is no plan to replace the F-15E with the F-35.

Will dig a bit deeper to find the relating article.

Nice, that will mean a possible re-activation of 495th Fighter Squadron!
4 fighter squadrons at Lakenheath, just like the F-111 days