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F-16 Fighting Falcon News

SCANG pilot hits 2,000 hours in Afghanistan

August 14, 2012 (by TSgt. Stephen Hudson) - Another SCANG pilot hit a professional landmark during the current Afghanistan deployment. Maj. Ian "Chester" Toogood hit 2,000 hours in the F-16 on July 15 while providing base defense over Kandahar Airfield.

Maj. Ian 'Chester' Toogood climbs out of his jet after returning from a mission over Afghanistan on August 5th, 2012. Members of the 169th FW at McEntire JNGB are deployed to KAF in support of OEF. [USAF photo TSgt. Stephen Hudson]

"I have been fortunate to be in the cockpit my whole career," Toogood said. "I think it's more memorable to reach it here in combat."

Toogood said he made a radio call to his wingman the minute he hit the achievement.

A 1999 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Toogood completed F-16 pilot training and several active duty assignments at Luke and Shaw Air Force Bases before joining the SCANG in 2008. He has flown 29 combat missions in since deploying in June. He has deployed and flown in four operations including Operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch as well as Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Toogood said he enjoys flying the F-16 and he followed in his older brother's footsteps as an Air Force F-15 pilot. Toogood currently serves as the Assistant Director of Operations for the Aerospace Control Alert.


Courtesy of 169th FW/PA-Deployed

Additional images:

F-16 Fighting Falcon - Official 2000 Flight hours patch [Asif Shamim Collection]
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