RAF Lakenheath F-15s conducting night flying operations Published Nov. 9, 2009 By Staff Reports 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- After a break of several months, fighter aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing here returned to night flying operations during the last week of October. These essential training missions will generally end by 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday and will continue until the spring. "We understand the aircraft noise can sometimes be a nuisance to the people living in and around the areas where we train," said Col. Scott Reed, 48th Fighter Wing vice commander. "We make every effort to minimize the local impact, but this training is vital to what we do when we perform real-world operations with our fellow U.K. service men and women, as well as the servicemembers of other nations, in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Our training in the skies over the U.K. mainland and off the coast help save British and American lives on the battlefields." Aircrews flying the wing's F-15C Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles are required to train for day and night operations and during all weather conditions to remain proficient for worldwide operations. The night-flying training provides aircrews the opportunity to train and maintain proficiency using night-vision equipment and procedures. For additional information, please contact the 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 01638 522 151. Fighter aircraft from RAF Lakenheath will conduct close air support training about 15 miles northeast of East Dereham on Aug. 19 from approximately 11 to 11:45 a.m. The squadron will use that airspace due to forecasted inclement weather in other areas. The training will be conducted at altitudes higher than 10,000 feet but might dip beneath that altitude depending on the weather.