Hobby Master Archive

The first four USAF F-35A Lightning IIs arrived at RAF Lakenheath on December 15, 2021. These aircraft were 19-5473, 74, 75 and 76 with 3 more F-35As arriving two months later to the 48th FW “The Statue of Liberty Wing”. After some debate over a name for the 495th FS, in mid February the name “Valkyries” was chosen. “Valkyries” were Norse mythology female figures who decided who lived or die in battle. The 495th FS motto: ‘Mala Ipsa Nova’ means ‘Bad News Itself’ along with “Valkyries” is a very menacing combination.