57th RQS showcases capabilities to Civic Leaders

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Emerson Nuñez
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Civic Leaders visited the Liberty Wing April 21 as part of their European tour.

The group is comprised of civilian community leaders from a variety of states and are selected by Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, CSAF, to serve as a volunteer advisory panel for senior Air Force leaders.

The Air Force CSAF Civic Leader members visited the 48th Fighter Wing and other European bases to observe the behind the scenes work Airmen do on a daily basis.

"We are here to see what Forward, Ready, Now means to Lakenheath and how it helps keep us safe back in the U.S.," said David Weissman, CSAF Civic Leader.

During the group's visit, members of the 48th Security Forces Squadron, the 56th and 57th Rescue Squadron, exhibited a combat search and rescue demonstration while further showcasing the 57th RQS pararescuemen's new capability of parachuting onto RAF Lakenheath's recently established drop zone.

This new capability allows the 57th RQS to train more efficiently and frequently.

"Being able to drop in and conduct CSAR operations here is great, and it will save time and resources," said Lt. Col. Jose Cabrera, 57th RQS commander. "This training helps exercise the unique personnel recovery skills that our pararescuemen possess."

The Civic Leaders were provided with a viewing area to observe the demonstration at a close proximity.

"Witnessing pararescuemen sharpen their expeditionary skills while F-15s and F-22s were taking-off, and seeing an HH-60 support the demo, was an awesome display of air power," Weissman said. "This demonstration helps us understand how resources are being spent in the Air Force."

After the group's Liberty Wing visit, they continued their tour at RAF Mildenhall and will be finishing their tour by returning to Joint Base Andrews, Md. Military installation tours help civic leaders serve as an outlet to provide ideas and feedback to advise Air Force senior leaders about how missions can best be accomplished in their respective areas.