The base is run by the US Air Force and is home to the 48th Fighter Wing, the only US Air Force F-15 fighter wing in Europe. Mr Simpson was watching Major Grant Thompson's F-15E Strike Eagle on take-off when he saw flames and sparks. He listened to radio communications between the pilot and the air base to see if anyone had noticed - but all he heard was silence. And, when he realised that the plane was due to refuel over the North Sea, Mr Simpson realised there could be danger. Maj. Thompson and Mr Simpson met at the base on July 21, where the member of the public was given a cap and a fighter wing patch.

Source: Daily Mirror July 24, 2021 18:23 UTC