Secretary of the Air Force visits RAF Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Dobrydney
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (AFNS) --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the 48th Fighter Wing here July 22 to meet with wing leadership and speak with Airmen serving in England.

Secretary Donley also had lunch with base Airmen.

"This is my first visit to the 48th Fighter Wing," Secretary Donley said. "With 30 percent of U.S. Air Forces in Europe's manpower stationed in England, you provide some especially impressive capabilities in this part of the world."

Secretary Donley toured various 48th FW facilities during his visit. While visiting the 48th Medical Group, Secretary Donley watched Airmen participate in a medical demonstration to treat injuries from improvised explosive devices.

"The medical community is doing great work supporting the joint team," Secretary Donley said. "And it is greatly appreciated."

The Air Force secretary ended his visit with an all call, addressing the 48th FW, along with the 100th Air Refueling Wing and 352nd Special Operations Group from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.

"You are a crucial center of gravity in our support to U.S. European Command," Secretary Donley said. "Our allies -- Bulgarians, Romanians, Poles and many others -- are all seeking closer relationships with us. They want to learn from you."

In an era of ever-changing requirements and budgets, the Air Force should be prepared to squeeze out every efficiency possible to make sure money is available for equipment and Airmen, Secretary Donley said.

"As great as the Air Force is today, we should all want to leave it better than we found it and strive for further excellence," he said.

Secretary Donley told the 4,000 Airmen that he is often asked what he considers the best part of being secretary of the Air Force.

"The answer is, getting out to meet you -- the Airmen who are getting the job done," he said. "It's an honor to serve with you."