RAF LAKENHEATH, England — The 48th Fighter Wing inducted 13 British community and business leaders as “honorary commanders” during a formal ceremony Friday at the base.

The Honorary Commander program is designed to enhance the relationship between the citizens in East Anglia and the leadership at the base.

The “commanders” are provided a rare look at the mission of the local units they “command,” plus the 48th Fighter Wing and the U.S. Air Force.

Inductees were given a tour of the base and a close look at an F-15E Strike Eagle. Each visitor also toured the organization in which he or she was inducted. The organizations on base will include the honorary commanders in events throughout the year.

The inductees are: Simon Pott, chairman of the British American Committee at the base; Tony Pierce, strategic director of the Forest Heath District Council; Lesley-Ann Gyte, community safety coordinator for the Forest Heath District Council; Mick Marriott, Suffolk Constabulary; Richard Brighton, technical manager of Syphax Imaging Reproduction Ltd., Cambridge; Peta Cook, chief speech and language therapist in Suffolk; Nigel Snape, manager of Leisure Centers in Brandon and Mildenhall; Nicola Harrison, head teacher at Lakenheath Primary School; Alan Durrant, foster coordinator at Woodgreen Animal Shelter; Alan Newman, Environment and Transporation Directorate, Suffolk County Council; Colin Wills, businessman; Brendan Fulham, chairman of Suffolk Courts Board; and Terry Baxter, head of media and communications, Ipswich Town Football Club.

Migrated