F-16 Fighting Falcon news http://www.f-16.net/ F-16 Fighting Falcon news brought to you by F-16.net en-us F-16 Fighting Falcon news http://www.f-16.net/graphics/f16.gif http://www.f-16.net/ webmaster@f-16.net TAI delivers first upgraded PAF F-16 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST February 8, 2012 (by Asif Shamim) - Turkey's center of aerospace, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), has delivered the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) its first upgraded F-16 as part of the Peace Drive II modernization program.

PAF F-16A #85726 and F-16B #84608 on a training mission over the city of Lahore armed with Sidewinders
The first PAF F-16 aircraft, completed modernization and flight tests and was delivered to PAF at a ceremony held at TAI on 8 February 2012.

In attendance were the Turkish Deputy Minister of Defense Mr. Hasan Kemal Yardımcı, Pakistan Ambassador to Turkey HE Muhammad Shaukat Haroon, Pakistan Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Mshl. Asim Suleiman, Turkish Armed Forces Foundation General Manager Mr. Hayrettin Uzun and Undersecretary for Defense Industries Mr. Murad Bayar as well as many military and civilian high level representatives.

The Peace Drive II program was signed with Pakistan Ministry of Defense in June 2009, with work starting in October 2010 and planned completion by September 2014.

Under the program, TAI's engineers and technicians will perform avionics and structural modernization of a total of 41 F-16 aircraft that are in the inventory of Pakistan Air Force. The test flights of each modernized aircraft will also be performed by TAI's F-16 Test Pilots.

The required parts, material and technical data are furnished to TAI in accordance with another contract between US Government and PAF.

TAI will also provide classroom and on-the-job training for 72 PAF technicians. Upon completion of their trainings, the technicians will directly participate in the ongoing modernization activities at TAI.

TAI, which was established for co-production of F-16 aircraft for the Turkish Air Force in 1984, is one of the major aerospace companies in the world at F-16 manufacturing and modernization. After manufacturing and delivering a total of 272 F-16s, TAI, which has successfully completed avionics and structural modernization of F-16s of the Royal Jordanian Air Force and is currently modernizing 175 F-16s for the Turkish Air Force.

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Forum discussion: ]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4516.html Dutch F-16s "Go Guard" for new paint job Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST February 7, 2012 (by SSgt. Rich Murphy) - This week, the painters from the Air National Guard Paint Facility in Sioux City, Iowa rolled out the first of six F-16s from the Royal Netherlands Air Force that will be receiving a new paint job.

RNlAF F-16BM #J-882 is ready to go after receiving a new coat of paint. The F-16 was in and out of the ANG Paint Facility in just a few weeks. This is the first international aircraft that was painted at the Sioux City, Iowa based facility.
This job marks the first opportunity the western Iowa based paint facility has had to service international aircraft.

Lt. Col. Maurice Schomk, the commander of the Dutch attachment at the 162nd Fighter Wing in Tucson, Ariz., met with members from the paint facility Tuesday, February 7th, to complete the final inspection of the aircraft. He was quite pleased with the results. "I am impressed. I know what the jet looked like before, and I saw all the faces of the people who first inspected the jet. I knew it would be a challenge."

He added, "My first impression walking in here is that I am standing here looking at a new jet."

When Lt. Col. Schomk first took over the Dutch attachment, he said their jets' outside appearance did not match the avionics inside. "One of my first priorities was to get our jets painted. When we heard about the quality and value the people in Sioux City could provide, we decided to send our jets here."

Currently, the Royal Netherlands Air Force is only planning to paint six of their ten aircraft. But, Lt. Col Schomk hopes to complete all of them within the next few years.

Dave Miller, the facility manager of the paint facility and Command Chief of the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, said this job symbolizes the international partnership between the U.S. and its allies. "This really saves the Netherlands a lot of money. Instead of sending the jets out to get completely stripped and painted, our methods cost about a third of the price and takes half the time."

Miller added that this job gives the members of the paint facility another opportunity to show the Air Force and its allies the type of work they are able to accomplish. "We have proven quality, proven expertise, and these guys go into great detail and great lengths to put out a perfect product."

The Air National Guard Paint Facility is located on the 185th Air Refueling Wing's (ARW) airbase. It was established in 2000 to serve the Air National Guard's painting needs. Since it first opened its hangar doors, the facility has serviced over 500 aircraft including F-16s, A-10s, and F-15s. It typically services about 40-50 aircraft per year.

While the paint facility employees were quite familiar with painting F-16s, the Dutch aircraft presented some unique challenges. "Probably the most difficult part of this process was sorting out the new paint schemes and figuring out where the stencils go," said James Seiler, a sheet metal mechanic for the facility.

The U.S. F-16 features a two-tone grey body with black markings. The Dutch F-16, on the other hand, features a three-tone grey with seven different colors for markings. The Dutch jets also have several more markings that its U.S. jets, including a bright red, white, blue, and orange Dutch emblem located near the exhaust and on the wings.

Seiler said the biggest challenge for the job was gathering the data to make sure everything was done accurately. "We had the people from Tucson send us the technical manuals so we were absolutely sure we had everything in its right place. We spent several days before the jet even came in sorting through the tech data and planning how we could do this job in the most effective and efficient way."

Miller said he was pleased with the performance of the facilities members and he looks forward to working with the Dutch and any other international communities that are interested in their services. "

While "painting" does make the aircraft look more attractive, the paint serves a much more important function. One of the major enemies to the structure of aircraft is weather and corrosion. Miller said, "Today's fighter aircraft are exposed to diverse environments. In one week, they are flying through rain and snow, the next week they could be flying over deserts. That is why it is critical to make sure the paint on these jets properly protect the aircraft."

The paint facility uses a cost effective method called "Scuff, Sand, and Paint." To start this two-week project, the painters carefully inspect the aircraft, looking for critical areas where corrosion could possibly develop. Next, they scrape and sand these critical areas and prepare them for the painting. They also tape and cover areas on the aircraft that could be damaged throughout the painting process. The painters then paint the areas with an anti-corrosive paint which, ironically, is made by the Dutch company AkzoNobel. Finally, the painters stencil in the appropriate markings around the jet and conduct final operational checkouts and inspections before sending it back to the unit.

Compared to a "strip and paint," where painters strip down the entire jet and provide a completely new layer of paint, the "Scuff, Sand, and Paint" is a much more economical option.
Courtesy of 185th Public Affairs

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RNlAF F-16BM #J-882 is ready to go after receiving a new coat of paint. The F-16 was in and out of the ANG Paint Facility in just a few weeks. This is the first international aircraft that was painted at the Sioux City, Iowa based facility.
]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4515.html Pakistan receives first MLU F-16s Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST February 6, 2012 (by Asif Shamim) - The Pakistani airforce received its first two MLU upgraded F-16s today at PAF Shahbaz airbase after the aircraft arrived back from the USA.

PAF F-16B block 15 #82603 is touching down on the runway at Lajes AFB on its way from Pakistan to the US for its MLU conversion.
Accompanying the two upgraded F-16s was the final block 52 airframe a D-Model (#10801) which had remained in the US for testing & trials. This concludes the delivery of all 18 of the newer Block 52 aircraft ordered as part of the 'Peace Drive' program.

According to PAF public affairs officials the two F-16 block 15 aircraft, were earlier sent to USA for Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) and have been delivered back to the PAF on time. On there return a small ceremony was held at the base attended by PAF dignitaries.

The United States has released $ 116 million to finance mid-life upgrades for Pakistan's existing fleet of block 15 A/B aircraft.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will do the upgrade MLU which primarily involves replacement of avionics and structural modifications bringing them close to block 40 standards.

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Forum discussion: ]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4513.html NATO called - Shaw responded Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST February 3, 2012 (by SrA Daniel Phelps) - Jets from the 20th Fighter Wing provided a key role in taking a down corrupt regime during Operation Unified Protector.

A USAF F-16C pilot from 77th FS makes final adjustments inside of his jet before taking off from Shaw AFB, to support Operation Unified Protector. The 20th FW received short notice deployment orders and departed in less than 48 hours.
Their actions in OUP led to the capture of Moammar Gadhafi, the Libyan dictator for 42 years, by the Libyan revolutionaries on Oct. 20, 2011. The 20th FW first sent support at the beginning of April to support NATO forces in protecting the Libyan civilians from the dictatorship.

"Around the middle of March, when things were starting to heat up in Libya, we were starting to pay attention," said Col. Charlie Moore, 20th FW commander. "It became apparent that we were probably going to go as we were on the Global Response Force at the time."

The GRF statement tells how fast a unit has to generate and send out a certain number of airplanes and a certain amount of people to anywhere in the world to accomplish their primary mission sets.

Due to other taskings, European based units were unable to support the deployment, Moore explained.

"Spanghahlem Air Base, Germany had orders to go to Balad Air Base, Iraq," Moore added. "What would have been required was for them to be relieved from those orders and us to go to Balad instead. The option of them keeping their orders and us going to Aviano just made more sense."

Finally, the word came down when the Secretary of Defense signed the deployment orders March 31, Moore said. The tasking was passed on to the 77th Fighter Squadron, "Gamblers," since they were the ones on the GRF.

From the time the word came down to the first personnel deploying out was less than 48 hours.

"This can happen at any time," Moore explained. "We practice this during our operation readiness inspections. It's not just the ability to get people there, but to get them there in a certain timeline. We did it even faster than we were required."

"We beat our GRF deployment timeline by 50 percent," said Lt. Col. Johnny Vargas, 77th FS commander. "This was truly a testament to our 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron that made it happen."

The 77th FS was en route to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. for an integration exercise when they got the call, Vargas said.

"The main body landed in Vegas, deplaned, hung out in base operations, got back on the plane and got home all on the same day," Vargas explained.

The fight began for the 77th FS once they received the order.

On the way back to Shaw from Vegas, the team organized themselves into their shops by rows on the plane and started developing the game plan for how we were going to take it to the enemy, Vargas described.

"When we arrived at Shaw I told them to take the weekend to spend time with their families since we were about to deploy," he added.

However, the Gamblers were motivated.

"I came in that weekend to take care of some paperwork and every single person was here in the (mission planning) vault," Vargas boasted. "The weapons officer had put together a mission planning cell and they came down with a way to take down the Libyan air defense systems."

The plans the 77th FS developed in the initial hours before their deployment were sent to the Spanghahlem guys because Spanghahlem hadn't had much time to develop their plan yet as they were the first responders, Vargas continued. "They used integration between our plans and theirs to start the fight."

After the Gamblers deployed, they officially took over the air tasking orders from Spanghahlem April 8 with 166 Airmen, six jets and six tons of operations cargo joining up with NATO as the first Air Combat Command squadron in the area of responsibility.

This is part one of a four-part series on the 20th Fighter Wing's role in Operation Unified Protector.
Courtesy of 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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Forum discussion: ]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4517.html Osan F-16C aborts take-off during exercise Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST February 2, 2012 (by Asif Shamim) - An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft experienced an engine malfunction during take-off during Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Bulldog 12-01 at approximately 12.30h, local time on February 1st.
The pilot safely aborted during take-off roll, declared a ground emergency, and performed a normal egress without sustaining any injuries.

Emergency responders were quickly on the scene. The cost and extent of the damage from the malfunction are currently unknown.

A board of enquiry will investigate the incident and additional details will be provided as soon as they become available.

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Forum discussion: ]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4511.html First Iraqi in Arizona for F-16 pilot training Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST February 2, 2012 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The first of the Iraqi pilots that will learn how to fly F-16s recently arrived in Tucson, Arizona with the 162nd Fighter Wing. The ANG unit is considered the International Training Center for F-16 flying training.

A UAEAF F-16E block 60 touching down after a Red Flag mission at Nellis AFB
The Iraqi pilot was slated to start the academic part of his training on Jan. 23 followed by hands-on flying from February through September.

The fact that President Barack Obama said the United States would continue to work with Iraq to stand up that country's air force may complicate matters for Israel if it decides to raid Iranian nuclear sites. Iraq is closely aligned with Iran and the F-16s could allow Iraqi pilots to intercept an Israeli airstrike on Iran.

Iraq signed the estimated $3 billion deal to buy 18 fighter jets from the United States in September 2011.

It's F-16IQ Block 52s are slight downgrades from the more advanced F-16C/D block 52 base systems. They are meant tp provide Iraq with an air defense force that can handle aging threats from Syria or Iran relatively well and perform strike missions within Iraq, without being a serious threat to more advanced air forces in the region.

Upgrades could of course always take place later as the F-16IQs have at least some of the equipment required to handle more advanced weapons.

In June 2011 four Royal Moroccan Air Force officers concluded 15 months of instruction at the 162nd Fighter Wing.

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RMAF Maj. Mouloud Chihani performs a preflight check on an F-16 at Tucson IAP before a training mission on July 7th, 2010. Chihani and three other Moroccan pilots are the first F-16 pilots in their air force and will lead the way to establish a new squadron of block 52s when they return home this July.

USAF F-16D block 25 #85-1514 from the 195th FS is seen departing Tucson IAP on September 3rd, 2010.

USAF F-16C block 25 #84-1284 from the 195th FS is seen armed with live AIM-120s & AIM-9M deploys the speed brakes in preparation for landing at Davis-Monthan AFB on August 20th, 2010 after a sortie in support of Operation Noble Eagle.
]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4510.html Volkel base commander passes 3000 hrs Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST January 25, 2012 (by Asif Shamim) - During a training mission from Volkel Air Base yesterday afternoon, Col. Peter Tankink passed 3000 flying hour in the F-16. This makes him the 8th Dutch pilot to achieve this mark.

Col. Peter Tankink, returns to Volkel Airbase in F-16AM #J-011 after flying a mission in which he passed 3000 flying hours in an F-16 on January 24th, 2012. Tankink became the 8th Dutch F-16 pilot to achieve this landmark.
Tankink, The current commander of Volkel Air Base has been flying the F-16 since 1990 and has taken part in several operational deployments with the RNlAF. The majority of his flying hours he flew during the 1990s. Today he flies a few hours per year to remain operationally proficient and involved with day to day operations.

Every fighter pilot has to fly a certain number of hours to keep up the skills and to train in procedures. This training and experience is essential to be able to deploy pilots for operations and missions in the Netherlands and abroad.

Col. Tankink started his career at Leeuwarden Airbase with 322 Squadron. During this period he went through various positions at the squadron and took part in several missions over the Balkans as part of operation Deny Flight, Deliberate Force, Deliberate Guard and Allied Force. In the latter he shot down a Yugoslav MiG-29 with an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile (While flying #J-063). The first post-WWII kill for the Royal Netherlands Airforce.

Later on he headed up the Team which looked after the Mid Life Update (MLU) of the Dutch F-16s. He then became the commander of 323 squadron, followed by the function of deputy base commander at Leeuwarden airbase and Chief of Fighter Branch at the airforce headquarters in Breda.

One of his later roles included being the commander of the Air Task Force in Afghanistan during 2005 & 2009. In January 2011, Tankink began his current role as commander of the airbase Volkel.

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Col. Peter Tankink, RNLAF Volkel Airbase commander became the 8th Dutch pilot to pass 3000 Flying hours in the F-16 on January 24th, 2012.

F-16 Fighting Falcon - Official 3000 Flight hours patch
]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4505.html L-3 Link to upgrade Pakistani ATDs to SimuSphere HD-9™ Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST January 23, 2012 (by Rick Oyler) - L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) announced that it has been awarded a contract modification from the U.S. Air Force to upgrade two Pakistan Air Force F-16C block 52 Aircrew Training Devices (ATDs) with the company's new SimuSphere HD-9™ visual system display.
This award represents the first use of SimuSphere HD-9 on training devices that will be delivered to a foreign nation. The F-16C block 52 ATDs are scheduled for delivery in 2013, will be installed at Shahbaz Air Base.

L-3 Link's SimuSphere HD-9, which incorporates the full capabilities of the company's HD World® integrated simulation product line, will provide Pakistani F-16 pilots with an increased level of tactical training realism. High-definition databases, image generators while the SimuSphere HD-9 visual display will combine to create a highly realistic and relevant training environment over a geo-specific visual system database of Pakistan.

"This award demonstrates the value that SimuSphere HD-9 will bring to military fast jet training," said Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. "SimuSphere HD-9, combined with the trainers' overall HD World capabilities, will allow Pakistan Air Force F-16 pilots to gain training credit equivalent to live training."

The PAF's F-16C Block 52 ATDs will support new pilot, pilot conversion and advanced skills training. The trainers will incorporate L-3 Link's simulated Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, enabling pilots to practice control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors. In addition, pilots will be able to wear their own night vision goggles when conducting simulated night-time missions.

The two F-16C Block 52 ATDs will be supported by one mission support system, and each simulator will also have a dedicated instructor/operator station.

L-3 Link is the leading provider of F-16 simulators worldwide. Since the 1970s, the company has delivered approximately 140 F-16 training devices in support of the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and 10 foreign nations.

Courtesy of L-3 Link Simulation & Training

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PAF F-16C block 52 #10901 is taxiing by the lens at NAS Fort Worth on December 15th, 2009 after performing a functional check flight.
]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4504.html Greek F-16 belly lands at Larrisa Airbase Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST January 20, 2012 (by Asif Shamim) - A HAF F-16D block 52 from 337 Mira belly landed at Larissa Airbase in Greece on Thursday morning. Both crew were uninjured.
It is currently uncertain as to what caused the undercarriage to fail or 'fail to deploy' during the touch and go landings which were being performed as part of a training exercise. The pilot who was identified as a Captain maintained control during the landing and kept the F-16 on the runway. The runway had to be closed for a period will rescue services attended the incident.

Reports from HAF authorities indicate damage was limited to the belly and external fuel tanks of the jet, but did not go into full detail.

Following the incident the Greek airforce grounded all F-16s will investigations are undertaken to find out the route cause of the failure.

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Forum discussion: ]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4502.html Stingers fly high with Bio-fuel Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST January 12, 2012 (by MSgt. Beth Holliker) - The 180th Fighter Wing is known for leaning forward in the research, development and implementation of green energy programs. The wing marked yet another environmentally friendly milestone Tuesday as one of its F-16CM fighting falcons successfully flew a routine training mission fueled solely on bio-fuel.
Though the Jan. 10 training mission is a first for the 180th, the use of this green fuel is not a first for the U.S. Air Force. Planning to certify more than 40 aircraft models by 2016, the Air Force has been testing bio-fuels, sometimes referred to as Hydro-processed Renewable Jet Fuel, in many of its fighter and cargo airframes since 2009.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team put the alternative blended-fuel to the test, with one of the F-16s successfully demonstrating extreme manoeuvres including loops and barrel-rolls for the first time during an air show in May 2011.

"The 180th Fighter Wing is known for taking an aggressive role in ensuring renewable energy is brought to the forefront of our nation's defense," said Col. Bill Giezie, Mission Support Group Commander for the 180th Fighter Wing, when asked about the wing's selection as part of this bio-fuel evaluation process. "It is only natural that the wing would continue to be engaged in aggressively pursuing renewable fuel options for our aircraft."

Two F-16s from the 180th Fighter Wing's fleet have been designated to test 100,000 gallons of the renewable fuel over a period of several weeks as one of the final steps before taking the fuel mainstream and allowing the F-16 to use bio-fuels in unrestricted operations. The viper jets will fly day-to-day routine training missions to evaluate the performance and the effects on the engine and fuel systems.

The bio-fuel is a 50/50 blend of conventional, petroleum-based Jet Propellant 8, or JP-8 and bio-fuel derived from the Camelina plant, a weed-like plant often called wild flax. The Camelina plant grows easily throughout the United States and other areas around the world. Though the plant prefers full sun and loose, dry soil, wild flax is very adaptable and can even be used as a rotation crop with wheat.

Along with being readily available and easily grown, the production process of converting this plant into a relevant renewable fuel source emits far less greenhouse gasses than the manufacturing process of normal petroleum.

"This is another step in the right direction to develop a domestic source of sustainable energy," said Giezie. "As we remain engaged in pursuing relevant renewable energy sources, we can continue to increase our national energy security while supporting our national economy."

Courtesy of 180th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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Forum discussion: ]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4500.html 55th EFS aircrews heading to Korea for 3 month deployment Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST January 12, 2012 (by 20 FW/PA) - Twelve F-16 aircraft and approximately 240 airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., deployed to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea on Sunday for a scheduled three-month deployment. The airmen were activated as the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.

USAF F-16C block 50 #93-0544 from 55th FS takes off from Shaw AFB on January 10, 2012. Twelve F-16 aircraft and approximately 250 Airmen deployed to Kunsan AB for a three-month deployment.
The airmen were activated as the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron departed January 10 and will work alongside ROK-US alliance partners to maintain peace and stability to the region.

"The 55th Fighter Squadron 'Shooters' have deployed in support of the United States' long-standing commitment to work with our great friends and partners, the Republic of Korea," said Col. Charlie Moore, 20th Fighter Wing commander. "We always stand ready to deploy combat airpower and Airmen to support our National Defense Strategy."

Another 200 airmen and 12 F-16Cs from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, are currently deployed to Kunsan as the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Their scheduled deployment began Dec. 3, 2011, and is scheduled to last approximately three months.

"The ROK-US Alliance has never been stronger," said Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, 7th Air Force commander, according to a statement released by the military. "These deployments reaffirm our commitment to providing the right combat air power and capabilities in defense of the Republic of Korea."


Courtesy of 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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Nine USAF F-16C block 50s sit stacked up on the ramp before taking off from Shaw AFB on January 10, 2012. Twelve F-16 aircraft and approximately 250 Airmen deployed to Kunsan AB for a three-month deployment.
]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4498.html Philippines want to procure 12 F-16 fighter jets from the US Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST December 21, 2011 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Philippines would like to procure a squadron of F-16 fighter jets from the U.S. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Wednesday. He and the country's defense chief will meet their U.S. counterparts in Washington next year to discuss the requests.
The Philippines has turned to the U.S., a defense treaty ally, for warships and planes to patrol South China Sea areas it claims.

Del Rosario said the requests for 12 F-16 fighter jets (and a third coast guard cutter) have already been relayed to American officials and their initial response was encouraging.

"We are getting good signals," Del Rosario told reporters. The Philippines wants to build "a minimum credible defense posture and the U.S. has expressed their willingness to help us," del Rosario said.

Washington offered to sell 26 F-16 fighter planes to the Philippines in January 1998. At that time, the Philippines were looking to acquire F-16s to bolster its claim over the Spratly Islands. Washington offered the F-16s which were originally purchased by Pakistan but then embargoed. However, due to the Asian currency crisis, the military expansion plan did not go ahead.

The Philippine military, one of Asia's weakest, only has about six aging S-211 jet trainers. Six years ago they retired there eight F-5 fighters. These 1960s era aircraft were not much of a match for more recent warplanes and were expensive to maintain.

Last month, the US and Indonesia announced the planned transfer and upgrade of two dozen US F-16s to the Indonesian air force.

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Forum discussion: ]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4490.html Final USAF combat mission over Iraq Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST December 20, 2011 (by 1st Lt. Rusty Ridley) - As the world watched the last convoy pass through the gates at Khabari Crossing on the Kuwait-Iraq border, they may not have realized those on the ground had some help in the skies from Airmen with a historic lineage.

Col. Rodney Petithomme, 332nd EOG commander, and Lt. Col. Jason Plourde, 79th EFS commander, walk off the flightline after piloting the last two combat aircraft over Iraq on December 18, 2011. Flying F-16s, they provided top cover for the last convoys leaving the country.
Colonel Rodney Petithomme, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group commander, and Lt. Col. Jason Plourde, commander of the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron "Tigers", both part of the Tuskegee Airmen heritage, flew the last combat mission over Iraq Dec. 18, 2011, piloting F-16s.

The Tuskegee Airmen, the first all African-American fighter group, is credited with a reputation of excellence as they escorted bombers during World War II with their uniquely painted red-tailed aircraft.

"It was fitting for Tuskegee Airmen to be providing top cover for U.S. personnel who were withdrawing from Iraq," said Petithomme who is deployed from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

There is a sense among some aviators that Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn have defined an Air Force generation because of constant participation in air support since Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990.

"Effectively, for the last 21 years, we have had continuous U.S. Air Force aircraft flying over the country of Iraq," said Petithomme, a native of Angels Camp, Calif.

"When you look back at the thousands of hours we have spent flying combat missions over Iraq, to be able to be one of the last two combat Air Force aircraft over the country is significant and inspiring yet humbling," he continued.

The Tuskegee legend continues.

"I felt like we were carrying on the legacy and that it was our job as the most recent Red Tails to protect who we were escorting," said Petithomme. "Seeing the last day and last convoy out of Iraq be uneventful and with no attack from an enemy made me feel pretty darn good."

As a captain, Plourde flew missions over Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when the very first convoys crossed from Kuwait into Iraq in March 2003. Plourde had a cousin assigned to a unit on the ground then, and the brother of that cousin was on the ground in the final months of Operation New Dawn.

"For me the last combat mission supporting Operation New Dawn was significantly profound," said Plourde who is deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. "Because I had a family tie, there was a personal connection."

"I also felt incredibly proud of the Tigers as we provided top cover for many other cousins, brothers, fathers, sisters and mothers who were counting on us during the final few months (of Operation New Dawn)," said Plourde who is a native of Hermon, Maine.

Petithomme and Plourde credit the success of the mission to dedicated Airmen.

"I have the highest praise for our 79th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Tigers and the exceptional work they were able to accomplish over the past several months by improvising, adapting and overcoming significant challenges in order to make combat operations happen," Plourde said.

"It required some unique and creative solutions from everyone in the logistics and supply chain--from our logistics readiness squadron to source parts, understanding and knowing the need and also determining a way to make it happen despite the odds stacked against them," continued Plourde.

"I'm also incredibly proud of the Tiger pilots for the disciplined and focused manner in which they executed every single combat sortie," Plourde said.

Petithomme couldn't agree more.

"It was a team effort on everybody's part," said Petithomme. "It was incredible."

Plourde and Petithomme were flying the last manned aircraft combat mission.

The MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial systems are piloted from outside the theater, launched and recovered by Airmen assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron.

"The predators were actually the last combat aircraft to leave Iraqi airspace," said Petithomme. "They played just as big a part as we did--it was still Tuskegee Airmen providing top cover."

The importance of the moment was realized in flight.

"The first realization was watching the last convoy cross from Iraq into Kuwait, and seeing the last vehicle cross the border, and watching them actually shut the gate in my targeting pod," said Petithomme. "The second was talking to command and control and having them tell us, 'You are the last manned U.S. Air Force aircraft in Iraq, you are cleared to return to base.'"

"When they spoke those words is really when it set in," said Plourde.

"The part we played was significant, but we were one of many contributors to the entire joint team effort," Plourde said.

Plourde believes for Airmen new to the force, the final days in Iraq are just the beginning.

"Some of our Airmen may not realize the significance of this moment in time," said Plourde. "Many were not in the military when Operation Iraqi Freedom started and some were not even born when Operation Desert Storm started."

"They are looking forward to the future at what opportunities and challenges they may be presented," he said.

Those involved in the final operations are now part of a significant historic milestone and the largest military movement since World War II.

"It's important for each one of them to realize and to take pride in the fact that we as a U.S. Air Force and as a U.S. military, gave the people of Iraq the freedom they never had," said Petithomme.
Courtesy of 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

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Lt. Col. Jason Plourde, 79th EFS commander and Col. Rodney Petithomme, 332nd EOG commander, shake hands after flying the last two combat aircraft over Iraq on December 18, 2011. Piloting F-16s, they provided top cover for the last convoys leaving the country.
]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4493.html L-3 Link wins contract for F-16 From US DoD Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST December 20, 2011 (by Lieven Dewitte) - L-3 Communications won a re-competition for the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Training System. L-3 Link has received an initial one-year contract to provide pilot and maintenance training devices support. This firm-fixed-price contract, with options through 2019, has a maximum potential value of $469.5 million.
Under an existing F-16 Aircrew Training Device (ATD) contract, L-3 Link is currently supporting 183 F-16 pilot and maintenance trainers. With this new award, L-3 Link will provide uninterrupted support to these training devices when the F-16 ATD contract expires in December 2011 and the F-16 Training System contract begins in January 2012. L-3 Link is now overseeing all F-16 training systems support for the U.S. Air Force around the world and F-16 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) countries, including Bahrain, Greece and Jordan.

The F-16 Training System contract calls for L-3 Link to continue Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) on currently fielded pilot and maintenance trainers, which includes guaranteed availability and relocation of training devices as the force structure dictates. L-3 Link will also continue to operate a Training System Support Center (TSSC) at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The TSSC provides trainer concurrency with the F-16, Distributed Mission Operation updates, visual system database modifications, system configuration control and logistics data library maintenance.

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Forum discussion: ]]> http://www.f-16.net/news_article4491.html 480 FS F-16 pilot reaches 4,000 flight hours Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST December 16, 2011 (by SrA Natasha Stannard) - Only 33 pilots in the 20-year history of the F-16 Fighting Falcon have reached 4,000 flying hours in the aircraft until December 14.

Lt. Col. Brian Egger, center, 480th FS pilot, is greeted by Col. David Lyons, 52nd OG commander, after landing December 14. Egger reached his 4,000th F-16 flying hour on this flight and is the 34th F-16 pilot in USAF history to reach this milestone.
Lt. Col. Brian Egger, 480th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, became the 34th pilot to do so Dec. 14 reaching more than 4,000 flight hours in the aircraft.

"This is very rare," said Lt. Col Aaron Piepkorn, 480th FS director of operations. "There are thousands of F-16s and tens of thousands of F-16 pilots, but only a small number to reach that hour mark - this is a very significant achievement."

The pilot, who said he always wanted to fly, is not only an inspiration to those he flies with but a great asset in their training.

"Having that amount of time in one aircraft provides a wealth of experience for us all," Piepkorn said of the 23-year pilot. "No F-16 pilot on this base has even come close to the number of hours he has. The knowledge he has plays a significant role and prepares [newer pilots] in our squadron for the future."

Egger is stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany but is a part of the F-16 unit here where he completes his flight hours - most of which are instructor hours.

"I've been to a lot of different places," said Egger, who has been stationed at four different bases and on numerous deployments. "The people here treat me like royalty. It's been a great place to fly."

Pilots here are grateful to fly with him, as having someone with this much experience as instructor is like finding a diamond in the rough.

"Most guys with this many hours don't have most of them as instructor hours," said Capt. Link Sandwith, 480th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot. "It's rare to be able to stay in the cockpit this long, and he's doing it the right way as an instructor."

According to Capt. Daniel Schreiber, 480th FS F-16 pilot, he's also instructing the right way.

"He's an awesome instructor," Schreiber said. "It's cool to see his perspective and the way he incorporates the way things used to be done with the way things are done now."

These two pilots, Egger's family and many more from the squadron were on hand to congratulate Egger as he glided his F-16 onto the runway completing 4,000.1 hours of flight, and they weren't empty handed.

They continued the time-honored, Vietnam War tradition of bombarding the pilot as they tied him down to the runway with tape and hosed him down with water, making this career milestone unforgettable.

"I'm very fortunate," Egger said soaked. "A lot of people from mechanics to air-traffic controllers have to do a lot of work to make this happen."
Courtesy of 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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F-16 Fighting Falcon - 4000 Flight Hours patch
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