F-15s assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England, will temporarily operate out of nearby RAF Mildenhall while runway repairs are completed at Lakenheath. The base’s HH-60G Pave Hawks will continue to fly missions from Lakenheath and will not relocate, according to a release. “We have taken proactive steps here to mitigate the noise footprint on surrounding communities,” said Sqd. Ldr. Richard Fryer, Mildenhall station commander. He added, “A minimal number of missions will be flown to reduce noise, but still maintain essential operations and training. Additionally, the aircraft’s flight paths have been adjusted to avoid unnecessary noise above and around Ely Cathedral.” Lakenheath’s runway is expected to be closed until mid July.
The U.K. and the U.S. will continue to enjoy access to the ports, airfield, and workshops at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for at least another century, under a deal inked between the U.K. and Mauritius May 22.