Raptor pilot returns to Lakenheath roots

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew
  • 48 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, ENGLAND --  The skies above RAF Lakenheath have been dominated by the presence of the 95th Fighter Squadrons F-22 Raptors soaring in tandem with F-15E Strike Eagles from the 492nd and 494th Fighter Squadrons. It is a welcomed opportunity for pilots, navigators and support staff from all three units for the past two weeks to integrate and execute sorties as one cohesive team.

For Major Michael Frye, 95th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations and F-22 instructor pilot, it is a chance to leverage his prior experience as a former 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C pilot here at RAF Lakenheath and bridge his admiration for both the Raptor and the Strike Eagle aircraft.

"I love both planes," said Frye. "I've wanted to fly the Eagle ever since I could walk."

Frye graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2005, followed by pilot training in Del Rio, Texas and then moved on to the F-15C training course at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. before he landed at RAF Lakenheath in 2008. The 95th FS return to Europe marks the first time that Frye has been back to the Liberty wing since he left in 2011.

"It's very nostalgic being back; I loved being stationed at Lakenheath; it truly feels like I haven't missed a day."

Frye made the transition from the F-15 to the F-22 in 2012. While he admits that he enjoys the more fluid avionics systems of the Raptor, he hasn't forgotten where he made his start as a fighter pilot. Having a background with the F-15 and prior experience navigating the skies of the United Kingdom, allows Frye to apply and convey lessons learned with his teammates to enhance the fighter integration training experience.

"The F-15 is a combat proven aircraft, it was designed to provide air superiority against legacy threats. In contrast, the F-22 was designed to combat the more modern threats of today," said Frye. "Fighter integration training allows us to combine the strengths of both fighters in concert with each other, so that we can efficiently execute the mission in times of war and really shine together."

Frye also stresses the importance of the opportunity that 95th FS pilots have for integrated fighter training with our European allies.

"This is quality training and a unique opportunity that we have to fly with our European partners; it means a great deal to everyone involved and is something that we need to continue with in the future."

Since their arrival, F-22 Raptors from the 95th FS have forward deployed from the U.K. to NATO bases in order to maximize training opportunities, affirm enduring commitments to NATO allies, and deter any actions that destabilize regional security.