COMUSAFE makes final visit to RAF Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Gen. William T. Hobbins, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, spoke to Liberty Warriors at an Airmen's call Dec. 3 and made his last flight in an F-15E Strike Eagle Dec. 4 at RAF Lakenheath. After 39 years of service, the general will retire Feb. 1.

Accompanying General Hobbins was Chief Master Sgt. Gary Coleman, USAFE command chief, who is also set to retire May 1 after more than 30 years of service.

While here, General Hobbins spoke about the many achievements of USAFE and the Liberty Wing in the last two years. The general commended Liberty Warriors on their work in Africa providing medical relief for the locals and training with MiG 21's in Romania.

"While working with other countries, one of the biggest things they comment on is the quality of our noncommissioned officer corps," said General Hobbins. "Our Air Force has one of the best NCO corps in the world and it shows."

General Hobbins also pointed out that USAFE has a lot to show for the changes made over the years.

"Because of all the hard work and dedication of USAFE Airmen, we are the most energy conscious MAJCOM in the Air Force," said General Hobbins. "We are also the fittest MAJCOM in the Air Force."

Chief Coleman commented on the Liberty Wing's work ethic and its effect on USAFE.

"You all have done some incredible work here in the Liberty Wing," said Chief Coleman. "Over the years, our priorities in USAFE have changed from focusing on equipment and other things to focusing on the Airmen and it shows in the great work you do."

Staff Sgt. Audrey Burrows, 48th Maintenance Group, and Staff Sgt. Anthony Meadows, 48th Communications Squadron, were promoted to technical sergeant by General Hobbins through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program at the end of the Airmen's call.