A U.S. Air Force crew chief assigned to the 494th Fighter Generation Squadron performs preflight checks on an F-15E Strike Eagle prior to the aircraft’s departure from RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, for a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Oct. 16, 2023. The 494th Fighter Squadron will be assigned to 9th Air Force (U.S. Air Forces Central), where they will be postured to support contingency operations, and protect coalition forces and citizens abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Olivia Gibson)