Posted on 10/17/2002 9:11:46 AM PDT by Wolfie
Drugs Probe at U.S. Air Force Base
Twenty-seven American airmen based in England are at the centre of an investigation into the use and distribution of illegal drugs.
United States Air Force officials said a four-month investigation had “provided evidence” that the servicemen might have been involved in the “use, possession, and distribution” of drugs including Ecstasy and marijuana.
All those under investigation are stationed at the US Air Force base at Lakenheath, Suffolk, one of the biggest American fighter bases outside the US.
Major Francisco Hamm, chief of public affairs at the Lakenheath base, said those under investigation were aged from 19 to 30 and ranged in rank from airman to staff sergeant.
It is not known if any of the 27 are pilots – although some of those being investigated are assigned to the 493rd fighter squadron.
Major Hamm said evidence had been gathered during a four-month long “counter narcotics” investigation involving the Ministry of Defence Police and US security forces.
“The operation provided evidence that 27 USAF active duty members from RAF Lakenheath may have been involved in the use, possession, and distribution of controlled substances,” he said.
“The investigation of these individuals is still on going. The drugs involved include Ecstasy and marijuana.”
Those under investigation were still working at the base. Other squadrons involved were the: 48th Security Forces Squadron, 48th Communications Squadron, 48th Medical Support Squadron, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron and 48th Civil Engineer Squadron.
Major Hamm said the USAF operated a zero tolerance drugs policy and servicemen and women were regularly drug tested.
Around 5,000 US servicemen and women are based at Lakenheath, as part of the USAF’s 48th Fighter Wing, and a similar number at the US base at Mildenhall a few miles away.
Lakenheath houses F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15C Eagle jets, which are among the most advanced fighter-bombers in the World.
Experts say that when combined the two jets provide a “combat capability never before seen in the history of air power.”
Mildenhall houses planes used for re-fuelling.
Crews from Lakenheath have been involved in most major American operations in recent years, including strikes against Libya in the mid-80s, the Gulf Conflict in 1991, attacks on Serbia, enforcing the no-fly zone over Iraq and the war against terrorism in Afghanistan.
The Lakenheath base is commanded by Brigadier General John Brennan, one of the most senior fighter pilots in the USAF.
US military chiefs say the base is “the foundation” of the USAF’s combat capability in Europe.
The 48th Fighter Wing’s mission statement is to: “Provide responsive air combat power, support and services to meet our allies’ and our nation’s international objectives.”
Major Hamm stressed that none of the 27 had been charged with any offence. But he said it was possible that the investigation could culminate in military court proceedings.
He said no officers were among those being investigated.
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