Liberty Airmen crush records

by Airman 1st Class Erin R. Babis
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/11/2015 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England  -- In February, the 48th Fighter Wing surpassed all expectations; not only exceeding the wing's goal for combat training flights, also known as sorties, but also beating the Air Force standard.

According to the F-15E Strike Eagle squadrons, 594 sorties were flown for the month.

"Liberty Airmen are crushing records," said Col. Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander. "They're 'Forward, Ready, Now,' with better training for aircrew and more time for quality maintenance; yet flying more sorties than ever because of their discipline with the flying scheduling effectiveness program."

The FSE program tracks activity on the flightline and the wing's ability to make and execute a solid plan. Increases in FSE demonstrate stability and predictability of flightline operations, meaning that an increase in FSE directly impacted the Liberty Wing's ability to fly a record number of F-15E sorties.

"Our aircrews were able to complete 111 percent of their combat mission ready requirements for the month," said Col. Scottie Zamzow, 48th Operations Group commander. "This extra training is not wasted. Like AT&T's rollover minutes, the extra training will continue to benefit us in the future."

The rollover training sorties are important because unpredictable events and poor weather can sometimes curtail the wing's flying plan.

"When Liberty Wing Airmen are provided resources, time, support and a stable and predictable environment, then the sky is the limit on what they can accomplish," said Col. Brian Stuart, 48th Maintenance Group commander. "What made this happen were the incredible maintenance and operations teams that instilled the mindset of: make a plan, stick to the plan, execute the plan and debrief the plan."

Credit for this accomplishment is largely attributed to the aircraft maintenance units and operations teams; however, it reflects the collective efforts of every Liberty Airman.

"I'd like to give a shout-out to the entire wing for making this record-breaking month happen," Novotny said. "You've heard me describe our wing as a watch before - where every piece of the watch may not be visible, but is essential. Our FSE happens because every piece of our 'watch' is working as it should be and pulling their weight to project combat power."