F-16 Aircraft Database

Wore several red mission markings.

Wore mission markings.

Wore 6 HARM mission markings.

Wore 10 red HARM mission markings. Only jet from Spangdahlem that deployed in 2003 that used its gun, shot up an Iraqi transport plane and airfield. After the war 4 HARMs and a six shooter was added to the markings.

Shot down a MiG-23 with an AMRAAM that was challenging the no fly zone over Iraq on January 17, 1993. This kill was the second kill using the AMRAAM missile.

Wore 10 blue HARM mission markings in 2003.

Aircraft fired the first HARM in combat. A kill marking was added just above the gun muzzle.

13 HARM mission markings in 2003.

6 HARM mission markings in 2003.

Wore 8 mission markings of HARMS. This aircraft may also have worn a kill marking which was removed as credit wasn't given. Many crew feel that the aircraft should have been credited with a kill.

Wore 3 radar/Harm kill markings.

MiG-25 Killer

The only F-16 to shoot down a MiG-25. The 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. Crew Chief Roy Murray launched the aircraft that day: "On 27 Dec 1992 I launched "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!