Still has LTC North's name on the front seat. Also has Col. Bud Mahurin's name on the back seat with current DCC and ADCC on the right side.
Copy-paste this code to link this airframe from the F-16.net forum
Aircraft History
Date
Status
Local S/N
Airforce/Unit
Version
Name
Info
30 Jun 1991
[act]
90778
F-16D Block 42H
Jul 1991
[act]
90778
19 TFS 'SW'
F-16D Block 42H
01 Oct 1991
[act]
90778
19 FS 'SW'
F-16D Block 42H
27 Dec 1992
[act]
90778
19 FS 'SW'
F-16D Block 42H
Deployment: OSW
Comments: This aircraft had the honour of having the first AIM-120 kill by the USAF. The pilot was LTC Gary North from the 33rd FS of the 363rd FW with CC code based at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. The aircraft operated from Dhahran AB, Saudi Arabia during operation 'Southern Watch'. At the time the aircraft was part of the 19th FS but on loan to the 33rd FS at the time of the shootdown. Gary North, the commander of the 33rd FS had the authority to have the aircraft transfered to the 33rd FS.
Mar 1993
[act]
90778
33 FS 'SW'
F-16C Block 42H
Special characteristics:
Mission Marks
Comments: MiG-25 kill marking was placed on the left side just below the canopy frame to mark that kill of December 27, 1992. At the time of the kill the aircraft was part of the 19th FS but on loan to the 33rd FS. Gary North, the commander of the 33rd FS and the pilot on that day had the authority to have the aircraft transfered to the 33rd FS after returning from the deployment.
Info on Mig Kill from Crew Chief Roy Murray:
On 27 Dec 1992 I launched aircraft 90-0778 call sign Benji 41 for a combat mission from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The only reason for it flying the combat mission (4 Hours) that day was to take flying hours off it so it could go in for a phase inspection. Most of its flight time during Operation Southern Watch was (FAM) rides for in coming pilots and VIP's, being the only D model. The canopy was so bad that Lt. Col North (at that time) stated "it was like landing with a paper bag on your head. HA! The family bus still got the job done that day. I also remember a reporter asking Lt. Col North why he did not use the cheaper missile, his come back was great; he stated if you were in a fight and had a knife and a gun, which one would you use. We painted the star and a blue tail on it while it was in phase, because it was on loan from the 19th FS at the time, then it became a 33rd FS aircraft. I stayed as the Crew Chief of 778 when we returned to Shaw, AFB and then transferred out with it to Luke AFB, AZ. I took my retirement flight in 90-0778 and launched Gen. North one more time when he came through Luke. I do miss those days!
Oct 1993
[act]
90778
63 FS 'LF'
F-16D Block 42H
Special characteristics:
Mission Marks
Comments: MiG-25 kill marking was retained with the 63rd FS.
USAF 90778
