F-15B reduced to scrap at RAF Lakenheath

The ill-fated F-15B seen while being reduced to scrap (USAF photo by SrA Delanie Brown)

Report by Robin Polderman, photos by SrA Delanie Brown

On 28 July 2025, a retired F-15B was reduced to scrap metal at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. The aircraft in question, serial number 76-0124, was newly delivered to the 36th TFW at Bitburg AB in Germany in 1977, assigned to the 'Tigers' of the 53rd TFS immediately after arrival. It stayed in Europe until late 1981, when it was transferred to Eglin AFB to serve with the 33rd TFW.

It moved to nearby Tyndall in late 1984, flying with the 1st TFTS of the 325th TFW, an F-15 training unit. During 1992 the aircraft changed home base once more, being allocated to serve at Barnes ANGB, home of the 104th FW of the Massachusetts ANG.

Following a short stint with the MA ANG, the aircraft made its final flight on 25 January 1994, touching down at RAF Lakenheath. The jet had returned to Europe for its final assignment.

It became a hands-on training platform for the 48th MXG (Maintenance Group), even gaining the 'LN' tail code (for Lakenheath) in the process.  

The sad remains of F-15B 76-0124 (USAF photo by SrA Delanie Brown)

Following the transition from the F-15C to the F-35A during 2022, the F-15B ground trainer was replaced by a retired F-15C (tail number 84-0001).

As such, it became surplus to requirements. Sadly, the aircraft was not put up for preservation, but simply scrapped (or demilitarized, as the USAF calls it) by a contractor….