CSAF, CMSAF visit 48 FW, highlight mission priorities Published Dec. 20, 2025 By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Davis 438th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, United Kingdom (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, his wife, Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, and his wife, Dr. Doniel Wolfe, visited the 48th Fighter Wing Dec. 19. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach addresses a crowd of 48th Fighter Wing Airmen during a visit to RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Dec. 19, 2025. Wilsbach emphasized the Air Force’s crucial role in the European theater and how its forward presence helps protect the U.S. homeland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sierra Casteel) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res This visit kicked off a seven-base tour to meet with Airmen around the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility who stand watch 365 days a year. “We know many of you are away from your families and friends this holiday season, and we wish you well and thank you for what you do,” Wilsbach said. The senior leaders held an all-call to emphasize that in every career field readiness, modernization and innovation all play key roles in flying and fixing to deter any adversary. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe addresses a crowd of Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing during a visit to RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Dec. 19, 2025. Wolfe emphasized that the U.S. Airmen enhance Europe's defensive posture by working side by side with allied forces in coordinated exercises, real-world missions, and emerging technology efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rilynn Jacobs) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res It’s the job of every leader in this room, which means every person in this room, to convince those around you that what we do is important,” Wolfe said. Wilsbach and Wolfe immersed themselves in several of the Liberty Wing’s key mission areas to include weapons, security forces, airfield operations and command post. The mission briefs and tours demonstrated how the Liberty Wing utilizes the strengths of nearly 7,000 active-duty and British and U.S. civilian personnel across RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell. As the largest U.S. fighter operation in Europe, the wing employs four combat-ready fighter squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning II aircraft. Mrs. Cindy Wilsbach, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, and Dr. Doniel Wolfe, wife of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, pose for a photo alongside 48th Fighter Wing key spouse liaisons during a visit to RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Dec. 19, 2025. Wilsbach and Wolfe spoke with spouses taking part in the Key Spouse Liaison program during the holiday season, highlighting the crucial role of a forward presence in the United Kingdom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ashley Talley) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res During the visit, the Key Support Liaisons also dedicated time to meet with the 48th Medical Group, base community center, child development center and more, reinforcing leadership’s charge to ensure we are taking care of our wingmen left and right. “What I’d like for you to do,” Wolfe said, “is think about somebody you know that needs some help … and in the next couple of days, go help them.” Before departing, Wilsbach left Liberty Wing Airmen with one final message: “What we do is hard, and doing hard things together builds strong teams. Everyone in this room is part of a winning team and has a connection to flying and fixing, no matter your job.” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach U.S. Air Force Logo