The U.S. Air Force's 31st Fighter Wing, based at Aviano AB, Italy, has been announced as the winner of the 2002 Colombian Trophy. This award is presented to the U.S. Air Force fighter wing which has made the most outstanding contributions to flight safety.

An F-16 from Shaw AFB, South Carolina patrols the no-fly zone in support of Operation Nortern Watch. The Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was part of an air and space expeditionary force deployment package.

Nicknamed the "T-Bolts," members of the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron scored several F-16 firsts during Operation Enduring Freedom combat missions from this deployed location.

U.S. Eighth Fighter Wing pilots from Kunsan AB (South Korea) have set an Air Force record, amassing 300,000 hours in the F-16 since the aircraft deployed here in 1981.

The 27th FW at Cannon AFB, New Mexico, is the winner of the Colombian Trophy, an award presented to the fighter, attack, or reconnaissance unit for the most outstanding contributions to flight safety in tactical operations.

Shaw is preparing to deploy 24 F-16 CJs and more than 400 support people to the European theater to help in the suppression of enemy air defenses during NATO's air campaign against Yugoslavia.

Four 20th Fighter Wing F-16s participated in a 3,000 mile strike mission to Puerto Rico and back Feb. 16 as part of the multi-service Joint Task Force Exercise '99-1.

The U.S. Air Force's 52nd Fighter Wing, based at Spangdahlem AirBase, Germany, has been announced as the winner of the 1997 Colombian Award. This award is presented to the U.S. Air Force fighter wing which has made the most outstanding contributions to flight safety.

The 457th Fighting Squadron at NAS Ft. Worth just sent 8 aircraft over to Kuwait for a short stay (duration unknown).

A new commander accepted the reigns of the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB. Colonel Gilmary M. Hostage took over for Colonel Ron. E. Fly. Colonel Hostage returns to Hill after being assigned there in 1985. The former 421st Fighter Squadron Black Widow has more than 3, 200 flying hours- 1, 700 of them in the F-15 and the F-16.

The 34th FS departs for Nellis AFB April 12 to support advanced stages of the F-15C Weapons Instructor Course. Nine F-16s and about 100pilots and maintenance personnel deploy through April 25.

The ANG 169 FW, McEntire, SC, deployed eight aircraft and a support team of approximately 100 personnel to Nellis AFB, NV on 21 March for two weeks. All aircraft landed Code I.

The ANG 148 FW, Duluth, MN, deployed five F-16 Block 15 ADF aircraft and associated personnel to Panama.

The 524FS are rumored to be loosing their Block 40s by October 1st to be replaced with Block 30s from Kunsan (WP). This would make the 27FW an all Block 30 wing with the 524th aircraft going to Hill AFB. These aircraft were originally from the 74FS at Pope AFB.

The 198th FS, 156th FW (Air National Guard) will convert from a 15 aircraft F-16A/B ADF fighter unit to an eight aircraft C-130E unit in early FY 99. The unit is based at Luis Munoz-Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico.