Polish Airmen visit RAF Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erin R. Babis
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Polish Airmen from Poznan-Krzesiny Air Base visited RAF Lakenheath, April 19-24, to learn how the 48th Component Maintenance Squadron operates and manages an engine overhaul facility.

During the week-long visit, Liberty Airmen showed the Polish service members how to manage their fleet for scheduled and unscheduled engine overhauls.

"The Polish air force will soon be inducting their first engine overhaul and are trying to model their operation off of how we operate at RAF Lakenheath," said Master Sgt. Scott Fitzgerald, 48th CMS propulsion flight superintendent. "It is imperative for the U.S. Air Force to help our allies gain the similar repair capabilities. The visit enabled us to better understand how they operate and how to best guide them to a solid operation."

Additionally, they will be adopting RAF Lakenheath's processes on how to induct an engine for maintenance and the process involved with returning the engine to service.

"The 48th CMS provided propulsion program management insight and maintenance flow operations, strengthening the solid foundation for Poland's first-ever Pratt-229 upcoming engine induction," said Col. Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander. "We look forward to these NATO partnership opportunities, knowing the exchange of information will allow us to work seamlessly alongside our allies as we continue to strengthen the force."