Photographers James Shelbourn, left, and Matt Pillen, right, document an F-15C Eagle during a tour at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. This was the second time aviation enthusiasts were invited to photograph American fighter jets at the base. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
Photographers James Shelbourn, left, and Matt Pillen, right, document an F-15C Eagle during a tour at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. This was the second time aviation enthusiasts were invited to photograph American fighter jets at the base. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
Aviation Enthusiasts photograph an F-15C Eagle of the 493rd Fighter Squadron landing at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. This was the second time RAF Lakenheath invited amateur and professional photographers an opportunity to document aircraft up-close and in action. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
An F-15C Eagle of the 493rd Fighter Squadron lands at RAF Lakenheath during an Aviation Enthusiasts tour, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. This was the second time RAF Lakenheath invited amateur and professional photographers an opportunity to document aircraft up-close and in action. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
Photographer Matt Pullen documents an F-15E Strike Eagle of the 493rd Fighter Squadron during an Aviation Enthusiasts tour at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
Photographer Matt Pullen documents an F-15E Strike Eagle of the 493rd Fighter Squadron during an Aviation Enthusiasts tour at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. This was only the second time photographers were allowed access to the flight line. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
An F-15E Strike Eagle of the 493rd Fighter Squadron takes off during an Aviation Enthusiasts tour at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. This base invited amateur and professional photographers to document aircraft up-close and in action. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
Air Force Maj. Dan "Rosco" Wittmer poses for aviation enthusiasts after completing a mission during a tour at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. The base allowed amateur and professional photographers a rare chance to get up close and personal with Air Force jets and personnel. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
James Shelbourn takes a photo of Matt Pillen climbing into an F-15C Eagle during an Aviation Enthusiasts tour at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. This was the second time the base invited aviation enthusiasts to get up close with Air Force fighter jets. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
Photographer Nick Howlett documents an F-15C Eagle during an Aviation Enthusiasts tour at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. ???It???s a fantastic opportunity to come here and see the jets up close, meet the air crews and see the overall operation,??? said Howlett, an aviation enthusiast since childhood. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
Logo on a side panel of an F-15C Eagle of the 493rd Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, Wednesday, June 22, 2016. The squadron is capable of executing air superiority and air defense missions. (William Howard/Stars and Stripes)
RAF LAKENHEATH, England — Nine British photographers had the rare opportunity to document fighter jets in action at RAF Lakenheath during the second Aviation Enthusiasts tour Wednesday.
“This year we started doing quarterly aviation enthusiasts photo days,” said Master Sgt. Eric Burks, media relations NCOIC, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. “This continues and builds upon the relationship that we have with citizens of the United Kingdom.”
Most of the day was spent with the airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron where the aviation enthusiasts were invited not only to the flight line but also hang out with pilots in the squadron’s bar.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to come here and see the jets up close, meet the air crews and see the overall operation,” said Nick Howlett, an aviation enthusiast since childhood. “I think it just helps the community feel much closer to the airmen here.”
