4 FW celebrates 70th anniversary of Eagles squadrons

A formation of Supermarine Spitfires entertains an audience during the Duxford Air Show Sept. 3, 2011 in Duxford village in Cambridgeshire, England. Duxford was home of an airfield used by the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII to launch attacks on the axis powers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marissa Tucker)

4 FW celebrates 70th anniversary of Eagles squadrons

The world’s largest formation of Supermarine Spitfire aircraft taxie down the runway during the Duxford Air Show, at a village in Cambridgeshire, England, Sept. 3, 2011. The Supermarine Spitfire was the only allied aircraft in production throughout the duration of the war. Today, a replica of the aircraft stands outside the Spitfire Pub here on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., in honor of those who gave their lives during the Battle of Britain. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marissa Tucker)

4 FW celebrates 70th anniversary of Eagles squadrons

An Avro Lancaster and a DHC-1 Chipmunk fly in the Battle of Britain dedication formation during the Duxford Air Show at village in Cambridgeshire, England Sept.3. During World War II, Americans joined the Royal Air Force to help the allied powers in a fight against the axis powers, before America officially entered into the war Dec. 7, 1941. One of the many training locations in England, Duxford was later used by the United States Army Air Force to launch B-17 attacks on Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marissa Tucker)

4 FW celebrates 70th anniversary of Eagles squadrons

Major Mike Maedor, F-15E- Strike Eagle Demo Team captain, performs an upside down maneuver showcasing the capabilities of the F-15E Strike Eagle during the Duxford Air Show, a village in Cambridgeshire, England, Sept 3, 2011. The demo team, along with five pilots and weapons system officers traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the air show, which celebrated 70 years since the formation of the Royal Air Force Eagles Squadrons. What we know today as the 334th, 335th and 336th Fighter Squadrons began in England 70 years ago, as Americans joined the RAF during World War II to help in the fight against the German Luftwaffe before official American entry into the war. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marissa Tucker)

4 FW celebrates 70th anniversary of Eagle squadrons

Published Sept. 23, 2011
By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- History came full circle for the 4th Fighter Wing as Airmen from America to Great Britain celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons at the Duxford Air Show in Duxford Cambridge, United Kingdom, Sept. 3-4.

The 4th FW's very own F-15E Strike Eagle Demo Team showcased the capabilities and power of the F-15E Strike Eagle during a performance at the air show, not only in tribute to forefathers of the wing, but to also display why the U.S. Air Force maintains air dominance.

"This air show would not be complete if we did not have the 4th Fighter Wing here," said Richard Alston, Duxford Air Show director. "We are making history come full circle today by having the very group that was here 70 years ago to help us celebrate the heritage of the Eagle Squadrons, to honor those who gave their life for our country and to celebrate all that they have accomplished."

The anniversary marks not only the formation of the RAF Eagle squadrons, but the true beginning of the 4th Fighter Wing. Seventy years ago, before the United States officially entered World War II, more than 200 American volunteers joined the RAF to help with their fight against the German Luftwaffe. Many of these American volunteers participated in the defense of Great Britain while it stood alone as the only beacon of hope against the Nazi aggression.

Duxford holds great significance not only because it houses the Imperial War Museum, but also for serving as the training ground for both RAF pilots and the Americans who fought with them until American entry into WWII Dec. 7, 1941.

"There are many fond memories of the Americans who served here with the RAF," Alston said. "We are delighted to have Airmen to represent the 4th Fighter Wing here today."

These volunteers were separated into three squadrons; 71, 121 and 133, one of which was based at Duxford from August to October 1941. The Duxford area maintains a special relationship with the American military, as many of the Airmen still plan community events for local children during the holiday season as they did many years ago.

When the U.S. entered WWII Dec. 7, 1941, the Eagle Squadrons and their American pilots were transferred to the United States Army Air Force and later formed the 4thFighter Group September 12, 1942. The 4th Fighter Group was re-designated as the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing in July 1958 and today is known as the 4th Fighter Wing.

Major Mike Maeder, F-15E Strike Eagle Demo team captain and pilot for the demonstration said participating in the air show gave him a sense of pride in his unit and encouraged him to learn more about the lineage of the wing.

"I feel really honored to take part in this ceremony today," Maeder said. "There is a lot of history behind the 4th Fighter Wing, and events like these remind people that this is where the 4th (FW) came from. It gives me a lot of pride."

An added addition that celebrates the history of the Eagle Squadrons was the world's largest displays of Spitfire aircraft of various specifications to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its first flight at the air show. The Spitfire was known as the backbone of the RAF and was flown by those American volunteers 70 years ago, several with minimal experience in the area.

Many people in the audience showed great appreciation to the 4th Fighter Wing and expressed their fascination in the capabilities of the F-15E Strike Eagle.

"We really love seeing the F-15s from Lakenheath take off when they fly this way," said Granville Hawthorne, an air show enthusiast who constructs large scale aircraft replicas. "It's great to know that England has an eternal connection to them."