F15 fighter jets complete routine training over North Oxfordshire

People enjoy watching 8 US Airforce F15s flying low over our area, bringing back memories of the regular flights from Upper Heyford in the 80s

Eight F15 fighter jets flew across the North Oxfordshire skies this morning and gave local people a chance to see and hear them as they passed us at low level.   The jets had flown out from the US Air Force base at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk and completed a round trip to Wales.

A spokesperson for the USAF told Banbury FM: “We can confirm that eight F-15s did fly over Oxfordshire today on their way to Wales as part of a routine training.

“Trainings like this ensure that the airmen at the 48th Fighter Wing based in RAF Lakenheath are ready to protect and defend partners, allies and U.S. interests at a moment’s notice, and generate lethal combat power should it be needed.”

Lots of people enjoyed seeing the planes, which for many brought back memories of the regular view of such flights during the Cold War, when the US Air Force were based at Upper Heyford.

Writing on Banbury FM’s Facebook page Louise Truss said: “They just did a big lap in Adderbury and one was right outside my kitchen window really low down. Amazing to see.”

Rachel Burns said: “Great loved them about 6/7 jets I remember in the 80s flying all the time from the base.”

Julie Sandells-Smith said: “I saw them from the kitchen… made the washing up more fun! They went over and then seemed to turn and head back towards Middleton Cheney way.”

Faye Holloway said: “[i] watched from my garden in Helmdon, absolutely amazing.”

Irene Dumbleton added: “The noise was incredible.”

The spokesperson for the USAF was pleased that people had enjoyed seeing the jets.   They said: “We are glad your listeners saw and enjoyed the fly past!”

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Published: 26/03/2021 04:42pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

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