Military Aviation

Cool photos show “The King,” the last of the 48th FW’s Heritage F-15 aircraft, in the green light of the Aurora Borealis

The F-15C Eagle, painted in the traditional allied invasion stripe scheme, ice blue tails, and the distinct markings of the 493rd Fighter Squadron is affectionately named “The King,” after Lt Col Royal ‘King’ Baker.

The last of the 48th Fighter Wing’s Heritage F-15 aircraft is currently deployed to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, in support of NATO Air Policing operations for the region.

As explained by  Master Sgt. Matthew Plew, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, in the article “The King” in the North, the F-15C Eagle, painted in the traditional allied invasion stripe scheme, ice blue tails, and the distinct markings of the 493rd Fighter Squadron is affectionately named “The King,” after Lt Col Royal ‘King’ Baker.

Baker, who became commander of the 493rd in November 1943, flew a total of 523 hours on 272 combat missions. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, an oak leaf cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross, and was credited with the destruction of three enemy aircraft, one shared destruction and one probable, during World War II.

Now, 76-years later, “The King,” still serves, a warden of the Arctic north, aloft allied skies.

“It’s a source of legacy and pride for both the operations staff and our maintainers,” said US Air Force (USAF) Lt Col Mark Perry, 493rd FS director of operations. “This jet symbolizes the Reapers, and we wear that as a badge of honor.”

Air Policing demonstrates NATO’s continued evolution of air agility capabilities and adaptation to meet new security challenges to protect all members. The USAF assumed full control of NATO’s commitment to the region October 12, 2020.

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-15C Eagle 144th Fighter Wing, 194th Fighter Squadron, CA/80-004 – California Air National Guard – Fresno ANG Base, CA – 2016

Since then, US Airmen continuously work to uphold international rule-based order, and maintain a steadfast layer of collective defense for all allied Arctic members.

“I hope when the people of Iceland see our Eagles flying, they see the commonality of NATO, and what the alliance does to provide for collective defense.” said Lt Col Anthony May, 493rd FS commander. “I am extremely proud of the work the Reapers have done to get here. Icelandic Air Policing allows us to demonstrate what air power in Europe is capable of.”

Together, the NATO alliance remains resolute to meet the peacetime preparedness requirements of all of its members with transparency, and enduring devotion to preserve sovereign airspace.

This model is available to order from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.

Photo credit: Master Sgt. Matthew Plew / U.S. Air Force

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

Recent Posts

SR-71 pilot recalls when a KC-135Q crew flew through a thunderstorm with their tanker’s throttles frozen to refuel his Blackbird

The KC-135Q It’s impossible to overemphasise the essential role played by the KC-135Q tanker crews,… Read More

4 hours ago

Here’s why the B-29 remote controlled turrets were worse than B-17 and B-24 manned turrets in protecting the aircraft from enemy fighters

B-29 Superfortress remote controlled turrets. Designed in 1940 as an eventual replacement for the B-17… Read More

4 hours ago

Canada to buy 16 Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft

Canada to buy 16 Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft as part of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft… Read More

1 day ago

Not only JP-8: US Army tanker recalls M1 Abrams turbine running on Bacardi 151 and unknown fuels

The M1 Abrams The M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank closes with and destroys the enemy… Read More

2 days ago

US Naval Aviator explains why in air to air combat a P-51 Mustang would toast an F-117 Nighthawk everyday

The F-117 Nighthawk The F-117 is the world’s first operational stealth aircraft. The Nighthawk is… Read More

2 days ago