494th FS supports Farnborough International Airshow

by Airman 1st Class Erin O'Shea
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/19/2014 - FARNBOROUGH, England  -- Celebrating 100 years of aviation history, U.S. military personnel from bases around Europe are participating in this year's biennial 2014 Farnborough International Airshow, which runs here, July 14-20.

Farnborough International Airshow is host to a trade exhibition for aviation and defense industries, as well as public airshow activities for general attendance, showcasing the latest military and civilian aviation capabilities.

U.S. participation in the show highlights the strong alliance with the U.K., while also supporting and protecting national security interests. One unit supporting this key mission is the 494th Fighter Squadron, assigned two hours away at Royal Air Force Lakenheath. The 494th FS' F-15E Strike Eagle, flown by Capt. Tom Meyers, pilot, and Maj. Claire Lundberg, weapons systems officer, travelled to FIA to make an appearance as a static display.

"[Participating in the airshow] allows individuals to have a personal experience with the American military," Lundberg said.

Department of Defense assets are located in a small corral near the airfield. There, aircrew members and maintainers are available to speak with media representatives and the general public about the aircraft static displays.

"[Being here] allows us to showcase the American military, not only for the English public, but for the international community," said Lundberg.

Meyer and Lundberg spoke with U.S. media and the international public about their specialty aircraft and their duties as a pilot and weapons systems officer. Speaking within their subject matter expertise, they shared their knowledge about the aircraft and assisted in better educating spectators.

"Everyone has been truly amazed with our capabilities," said Meyers. " It's been a great opportunity to showcase the 48th Fighter Wing and really show how we are building partnerships and helping our NATO allies."

The 494th FS has had their aircraft on display throughout the airshow, demonstrating U.S. Air Forces in Europe's forward presence in Europe as a key factor in maintaining a stable partnership between Europe and the U.S.

"I think it's important [to have our aircraft on display] because it shows how we are 'Forward, Ready, Now'. It showcases the USAFE mission to the rest of the public and the rest of the world," Meyers said.

As U.S. and NATO forces are in place to be forward-based and capable, it's crucial they're able to respond and react quickly in support of their allies. In line with this need, the 48th FW has charged itself to be the premier combat wing, capable of dominating any adversary.

"This has been a great opportunity," Meyers said. "It really increases your knowledge, not only of the public domain, but as far as the weapons systems side of the house, by getting to interact with industry partners."