An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron comes to a stop at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 8, 2024. The 494th FS returned from a seven-month deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, where they provided crucial support to operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffMembers of the RAF Lakenheath (U.K.)- and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina-based 494th Fighter Squadron, Fighter Generation Squadron and Expeditionary Fighter Squadron were honored for actions they took in thwarting drone attacks against Israel Iran and Yemen-based Houthi fighters. The action, which took place April 13-14, is the largest air-to-air engagement with an enemy in 50 years, according to the Air Force.
During the Nov. 15 Lakenheath ceremony, Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa, presented two Silver Star medals, six Distinguished Flying Crosses (DFCs) with valor devices, four DFCs with combat devices, another four DFCs, two Bronze Star medals, seven Air and Space Commendation Medals, and seven Air and Space Achievement medals.
“Our airmen stood firm alongside our coalition partners to protect Israel from a barrage of one-way attack UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] and missiles,” Hecker said. “The success of our airmen demonstrates how the U.S. Air Force is ready to respond to, and defeat, evolving threats.”
The action initially involved F-15E Strike Eagle fighters and other assets engaging and destroying more than 80 UAVs. Ultimately, 99 percent of the more than 300 UAVs and missiles were destroyed by coalition and Israeli forces.
“We all fell into an execution rhythm: Call, shoot, and confirm that the target was destroyed before we moved on to the next task we had to accomplish to keep everyone safe,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Causey, commander of the 494th Fighter Squadron.
The Silver Stars – the highest awards presented – were awarded to Maj. Benjamin Coffey and Capt. Lacie Hester (the first Air Force woman to receive the Silver Star).
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