THE base commander at RAF Lakenheath has paid a remarkable tribute to a young airman killed on a Cambridgeshire road earlier this week.

Airman first class Jeremy Smithers, 22, died when his motorcycle was hit by a lorry on the eastbound carriageway of the A14 close to the Boxworth services last Monday just after 12.30pm.

Airman Smithers, 48th Force Support Squadron, had been stationed at RAF Lakenheath since September 2010.

Colonel Kyle W. Robinson, 48th Fighter Wing commander, said: “Airman Smithers was a valued member of the 48th Fighter Wing.

“His loss will be felt across our Liberty Wing community and we will work to provide untiring support and assistance to his family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember all of them in your thoughts and prayers in the upcoming days and weeks ahead.”

John Enterman, 48th Fighter Wing fitness and sports manager said: “Jeremy always did the job right the first time, every time, was always dependable and once he was finished with a task he would always come back and see what else he could do.

“If you needed assistance he was there, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the mission was complete. Although his time here was cut short, rest assured that he left an enduring legacy.”

A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and taken to Parkside Police Station in Cambridge. He was later released on bail until July 26.

The road was closed for nearly nine hours between Godmanchester and Swavesey.

Other tributes have also flooded in for Jeremy via a memorial page on social networking website Facebook.

Todd Kirby posted: “Jeremy was an outstanding young man, one of the best. While his life was shorter than any of us could ever have imagined his impact on our lives remains anything but.”

Rhonda Slattery Cash added: “Our thoughts and prayers to Jeremy’s family and his many friends during this time. He was an amazing kid and I am so glad to have known him.”