After a brief "sightseeing" tour of the main buildings, with a running commentary on their function and some facts about the squadrons, airmen and the base in general, aswell as its role in both the USAF and NATO, we arrived at the business end of Lakenheath - the flightline. Picking up our guide for a latter part of the tour on the way, we arrived in time to see the launch of two F-15E’s.     Photography is generally permitted throughout the tour, although the guide does indicate when certain areas are off limits. Flightside, those with cameras were given ear protection and allowed out of the coach to take advantage of the rare photographic opportunity as the jets underwent final checks from the ground crew and lined up for departure. Meanwhile those without cameras were asked not to leave the coach for health and safety reasons, and were treated to a rundown of the flightgear worn by the cockpit crew.       After an exhilerating departure by the Strike Eagles, we were escorted back up the taxi way and into a Hardened Aircraft Shelter (HAS), for an up-close and personal look at an F-15E, with a complete walkaround tour given by a 494th FS Weapons System Operator (WSO).       After leaving the hangar, we then had the bonus of witnessing the arrival of four visiting F-16’s from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, before we went off to Donutland to conclude the tour, which had proven to be a very educational and thoroughly enjoyable experience kindly hosted by the 494th Fighter Squadron, and the 48th Fighter Wing.