The 493rd Fighter Squadron (493FS), nicknamed the “Grim Reapers”, is part of the USAF’s 48th Fighter Wing (48FW) located at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, United Kingdom. The 493FS operates the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. The squadron has earned multiple commendations and awards, including the Air Force Association’s Hughes Trophy in 1997 and 1999 and the 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2019 Raytheon Trophies, for being recognized as the top fighter squadron in the USAF. Only have a few of these, as they came from a small, Korean embroidery shop and do not have velcro.
