Rare UAEAF Viper shot

J.J. · by **J.J.** » 13 Oct 2006, 00:41

The following very hot picture was published exclusively by the "Sand Script" (October 6, 2006, public online pdf issue). "Sand Script" is the weekly base newspaper of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing (380th AEW) - a deployed U.S. CENTAF host unit.

First note from me: That's clearly 3009. And according to F-16.net´s Aircraft Database, that must be F-16F 00-6064 (Block 60), UAEAF 3009, 148 FS. And, so I think, USAF "altered for security purposes" only the national insignia on the tail. But, which are really their "security purposes"? (For some well-known background info please see bellow).

Further notes from me: On USAF's public main website (Deployed Newspapers) there´s no archive for the "Sand Script" (regularly updated every Friday). I secured this edition (especially this pic), and anyone can ask me for a zoomed hi-res version (100 percent or higher).

As an "open secret" for some military aviation journalists and also for independent OEF/OIF military historians, the 380th AEW is still deployed at Al Dhafra AB, United Arab Emirates (UAE). As a "public proof" for this forward-operating base, the "Sand Script" content page includes the following e-mail address of the 380th AEW´s PA office: 380aew.pa@adab.centaf.af.mil (adab = Al Dhafra Air Base).

According to public USAF news (including archived "Sand Script" issues), the 380th AEW is the largest air refueling unit in the Middle East (with both KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers). Additionally, the 380th AEW also operates the U-2 Dragon Lady and at least one RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV.

LinkF16SimDude · by **LinkF16SimDude** » 13 Oct 2006, 02:09

The database has the jet with the 148th in 2004. The picture is dated 2006. Maybe it got cycled into the "host country"'s line fleet and has been replaced (or not) with another jet in the 2 years in between? The security alteration is probably standard protocol at this point. Everyone and their brother could probably tell with kinda Viper that is - and who owns it.

idesof · by **idesof** » 13 Oct 2006, 04:41

This is the perfect example of what I was referring to in an earlier post: the asinine need to adhere to "security protocols" that are absolutely worthless. Aright, folks, what is the ONE nation that uses the F-16E/F? The UAE!? No f*cking way! Really!? Gee whiz, I guess the host nation must be the UAE then! It boggles the mind, it really does...

jst5150 · by **jst5150** » 13 Oct 2006, 07:17

Hello:

I'm glad you enjoyed the photo. I'll pass that note along to the photographer, US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott Seyer. He's a good guy. For your information, there were two tests conducted, each at about 100 mph (you can convert for kph).

I'm the editor of the Sand Script. It's easy to find on the public Web. Here's a link:

http://www.afnews.af.mil/internal/papers/sand.pdf

It's available at 7 a.m. EST each week. We'd love for you to read it.

As for that statement, if a photo is altered in any way, the Department of Defense requires the photographer to add the statement. Its goal is to protect US and allied troops from harm.

I have other pictures of that particular F-16, if you are interested. However, they, too will be altered for security purposes if you receive them. If you'd like more of the images, e-mail me at 380aew.pa@adab.centaf.af.mil. I've attached another just for fun.

Thank you for your interest in the US Air Force.

v/r, US Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Tudor

idesof · by **idesof** » 13 Oct 2006, 08:14

jst5150 wrote:Hello:

I'm glad you enjoyed the photo. I'll pass that note along to the photographer, US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott Seyer. He's a good guy. For your information, there were two tests conducted, each at about 100 mph (you can convert for kph).

I'm the editor of the Sand Script. It's easy to find on the public Web. Here's a link:

http://www.afnews.af.mil/internal/papers/sand.pdf

It's available at 7 a.m. EST each week. We'd love for you to read it.

As for that statement, if a photo is altered in any way, the Department of Defense requires the photographer to add the statement. Its goal is to protect US and allied troops from harm.

I have other pictures of that particular F-16, if you are interested. However, they, too will be altered for security purposes if you receive them. If you'd like more of the images, e-mail me at 380aew.pa@adab.centaf.af.mil. I've attached another just for fun.

Thank you for your interest in the US Air Force.

v/r, US Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Tudor

Hey, greatly appreciated and congratulations on a job well done!

Asif · by **Asif** » 13 Oct 2006, 08:15

Hi jst5150, Welcome to F-16.Net

If you have further pictures you can post after doing security adjustments, then feel free to do so.

Thanks for visiting.

J.J. · by **J.J.** » 13 Oct 2006, 20:10

Welcome to F-16.net, jst5150! I was really surprised to get a reply from the Chief of Public Affairs, 380th AEW, and editor of the "Sand Script"! Thank you very much for the additional picture! And I´m glad that you will pass a note along to the photographer, Tech. Sgt. Scott Seyer. Over the weekend, I will contact you directly (related to my long-year research work about the 380th AEW). At first: Best wishes to all of the brave airmen, currently deployed to your host unit!

I read the "Sand Script" since this newspaper is available for public on USAF´s public main website (unfortunately with some interruptions).

In your newest "Sand Script" issue (October 13, 2006) you probably published one of the most "aggressive" A/OA-10A Thunderbolt II ("Warthog") shots:

Meathook · by **Meathook** » 13 Oct 2006, 20:22

Here is a great looking aircraft for you folks too....

JakeMelampy · by **JakeMelampy** » 13 Oct 2006, 21:07

Another UAE block 60.

Jake

Meathook · by **Meathook** » 13 Oct 2006, 21:19

Nice burner shot buddy...nice

LinkF16SimDude · by **LinkF16SimDude** » 13 Oct 2006, 22:33

Meathook: Don't mean to pick nits but I believe your "Block 60Plus" is in fact something else. Eddie markings, small mouth, no IRST ball, missing intakes and exhausts on the spine. Perhaps a 52+ ? That'd be my guess. Sweet lookin' ride tho, even with all the extra stuff on her!

idesof · by **idesof** » 13 Oct 2006, 23:11

Meathook wrote:Here is a great looking aircraft for you folks too....

You know, seeing this picture of the Block 60 immediately below the A-10 has made me realize that the F-16E/F is in fact nothing more than the illegitimate love-child of a Viper and a Warthog. Indeed, the Block 60 is now more of a Warthog than, well, the Warthog itself. Either that, or an F-16 with a serious case of the measels. Truly a face only a mother--or a pilot--could love.

jst5150 · by **jst5150** » 15 Oct 2006, 08:13

All:

Thanks for your responses. I've attached an unpublished F-16 photo, refueling.

More as I get them.

v/r, Master Sgt. Jason Tudor

seat_dreamer · by **seat_dreamer** » 15 Oct 2006, 10:23

LinkF16SimDude wrote:Meathook: Don't mean to pick nits but I believe your "Block 60Plus" is in fact something else. Eddie markings, small mouth, no IRST ball, missing intakes and exhausts on the spine. Perhaps a 52+ ? That'd be my guess. Sweet lookin' ride tho, even with all the extra stuff on her!

Indeed that's a HAF 52+ Viper, probably one of the new aircraft ? Do they test them all at Edwards anyways ?

J.J. · by **J.J.** » 15 Oct 2006, 15:41

Thank you very much for both hi-res refueling pics, jst5150! Would you tell us the photographer and the date on which these pictures were taken? That would be very helpful. I will re-post both pics to the topic "Balad Air Base Deployment Update" (see Forum General) and I will add some photo interpretation. If you can release any more unpublished USAF Viper shots from the CENTCOM AOR, please post hi-res versions directly to the Balad topic.
Thanks for you support! :thumb:

A lot of very nice UAEAF F-16E/F Block 60 shots are archived in the Photo Database on airliners.net: http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.s ... e_version=