British, American and French armed forces strengthen ties as RAF Lakenheath hosts flag football tournament sponsored by New York Jets
A Suffolk airbase hosted a flag football tournament between British, American and French armed forces to help deepen military relationships and camaraderie among the NATO allies.
The event on May 16, hosted by The Liberty Wing at RAF Lakenheath, is now in its third year and marked the debut of the French armed forces.
Since 2023, the NFL’s New York Jets have sponsored the tournament as part of their Salute to Service campaign, providing jerseys, game balls and flags, adding to the authentic American football atmosphere.
United States players were drawn from the tri-base area: RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell.
Chief Master Sgt. Peter Martinez, 48th Fighter Wing command chief, said: “It was an incredible moment to see our airmen and their families stationed here overseas side by side with our NATO allies experiencing a slice of American culture.
“Whether we agree on which sport should be called football or not, it was still fun to share our version with our NATO allies to do our part in bringing us together.”
Ahead of kickoff, participants and families enjoyed a classic American tailgate with hot dogs, cornhole and static military displays, which helped highlight the sense of community among the allies, both on and off the field.
The Lakenheath High School Air Force Junior ROTC honor guard presented the flag colors and school cheerleaders energized the sidelines, giving the visiting teams a full Friday-night-lights experience.
William Halton, UK armed forces team assistant president, said: “You guys always put on a great atmosphere, a good show for us, and a good tailgate. Having more of this would be great.
Yohan Calatyud, FAA team President, added: “It’s like a dream, really it’s like a dream to meet you, to meet with the British Army, to play football, to be in England, to play with the American (Air Force) and British Army.
“The most surprising thing was (the US’s) hospitality, we were invited and you did the maximum to host us and it worked perfectly.”
After a round-robin series of games, the US team emerged as champions, winning both of their games, with senior airman Calis Clubb, of the 48th Security Forces Squadron, named MVP.
US Air Force Master Sgt. Emmanuel Yates said: “Without the airmen beside me, to my left and my right, there’s no way this event could have happened.
“A lot of what we do these days involves a constant commitment to assure our allies, and for them to assure us that we are here for each other.
“So hopefully this is one way we can show that engagement and make sure that what we do here can also happen in other locations.”
