"Just a nice Picture...!"
On 10 November 2021, the USAF and RAF gathered above the North Sea to carry out a Large Force Exercise (LFE).
Depicted are DY coded B-1B Lancers 86-0110 and 86-0140 (as 345th BS flagship), three 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagles, two 48th Fighter Wing F-15E Strike Eagles and two unknown RAF Typhoons.
Strikingly, while this was a thoroughly orchestred photoshoot, a sign of changing times was noted. F-15C Eagle 84-0015 was without any markings. As of next year the 493rd Fighter Squadron will lose its legacy Eagles in favour of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II.
It is expected that more LN Eagles will be transfered to units in the US or the Boneyard in Arizona during the next few months (hence the unmarked F-15C). After more than 45 years of F-15A/B/C/D Eagle operations in Europe the latest legacy Eagles will have vacated Lakenheath by the end of February 2022. On 4 and 5 February 2022, legacy F-15 farewell festivities will be held at Lakenheath.
Credit photo: USAF / NATO Allied Air Command