Strike Eagle Aircrews Take MacKay Trophy

Four airmen from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, Britain, are the recipients of the 2010 Mackay Trophy, recognized by the Air Force and National Aeronautic Association for conducting last year’s most meritorious flight. They are: Lt. Col. Donald Cornwell, Lt. Col. Dylan Wells, Capt. Leigh Larkin, and Capt. Nicholas Tsougas. On April 6, 2010, while operating as a flight of two F-15Es—call signs Dude 01 and Dude 02—the four airmen helped saved the lives of approximately 30 coalition troops whom more than 100 enemy fighters had surrounded in the town of Bala Morgab, Afghanistan. Overcoming tough weather conditions, the airmen used terrain-following radar to execute five “show of force” passes in a valley surrounded by high terrain. They then expertly employed six joint direct attack munitions, helping to kill more than 80 insurgents. NAA will present the trophy on Nov. 7 in Arlington, Va. (Lakenheath report by SrA. David Dobrydney)