Flying the last legacy Eagles in Europe

RAF Lakenheath's 493rd Fighter Squadron Grim Reapers F-15C Eagle 86-0172 was recently adorned with special colours and markings.

This, to represent more than 45 years of F-15A/B/C/D Eagle operations in Europe.

Of the McDonnell Douglas F-15's two tails, the RAF Lakenheath based legacy Eagle is now carrying on one side the text 'Eagle 1977-2022', together with the respective bases RAF Lakenheath (UK), Spangdahlem (Germany), Soesterberg (The Netherlands) and Bitburg (Germany). The latter two bases have been closed as USAF bases during the nineties.

The other tail is carrying the 493rd FS Grim Reapers logo.

Also, 172's speed brake has been decorated in the honour of the kills and victories that were amassed during the 1991 Gulf War and Operation Allied Force, above the Balkans, in 1999.

The decoration involves eleven kills and victories that have been carried out by F-15C Eagles that are now serving with the 493rd FS.

The following Eagles are depicted on the speed brake: 84-0010 (1x), 84-0014 (1x), 84-0015 (1x), 84-0019 (2x), 84-0027 (2x), 86-0156 (2x), 86-0159 (1x) and 86-0169 (1x).

It is expected that after more than 45 years of F-15A/B/C/D Eagle operations in Europe the latest legacy Eagles will have vacated the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath by the end of February 2022. On 4 and 5 February 2022, legacy F-15 farewell festivities will be held at RAF Lakenheath.

 Photos by Peregrine Bush Photography and USAF