48th Fighter Wing

48th Fighter Wing "Statue of Liberty Wing"
An F-15C Eagle from the 493d Fighter Squadron takes off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 6, 2014.
Active	1952–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Role	Fighter
Size	Wing
Part of	United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa
Garrison/HQ	RAF Lakenheath
Engagements	1991 Gulf War (Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation of Kuwait) Kosovo Air Campaign
Decorations	Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (19x)
Insignia
48th Fighter Wing Emblem

The 48th Fighter Wing (48 FW) is part of the United States Air Force's Third Air Force, assigned to Headquarters Air Command Europe and United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). It is based at RAF Lakenheath, England. The 48 FW is the only F-15 wing based in Europe and consists of both F-15C/D Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft as well as a rescue squadron of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. The 48 FW was given the name "Statue of Liberty Wing" on 4 July 1954 and remains the only U.S. Air Force unit with both a name and a numerical designation.

The 48 FW operates in support of United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa, United States European Command and NATO.

The Liberty Wing has nearly 5,700 active-duty military members, 2,000 British and U.S. civilians, and includes a geographically separated unit at nearby RAF Feltwell. In addition to supporting two squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle and one squadron of F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft, the Liberty Wing is responsible for the 56th Rescue Squadron's HH-60G Pave Hawk Combat Search and Rescue helicopters.

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On 10 July 1952, the Oklahoma Air National Guard 137th Fighter-Bomber Wing at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base, France was redesignated the 48th Fighter-Bomber Wing. The fighter squadrons being redesignated the 492d, 493d, and 494th respectively, the 58 F-84Gs and support aircraft of the ANG were assigned to the 48th Fighter-Bomber Group under the Hobson Plan. The 48th FBW commanded the functions of both the support groups as well as the flying combat 48th FBG. The few National Guardsmen still with the wing departed and the last were released from active duty on 9 July, although a few reserve officers remained on active duty for an additional six to twelve months.