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Farewell to the last F-16 block 25
September 21, 2010 (by
SMSgt Ralph Kapustka) -
The 148th Fighter Wing said goodbye to an old friend on September 14, 2010 when the last F-16 block 25, aircraft #84-1236, left the base.
The departure of the block 25 marks an end to an era. An era that saw the jets deploy to Iraq 3 times, excel in Operational Readiness Inspections, and earn the Bulldogs the Raytheon Trophy.
"Bitter/sweet," is how Col Frank Stokes, 148FW Commander, described the moment as he watched Staff Sgt. Andy Rohweder, 148FW Crew Chief, prepare the "Queen of the Fleet", aircraft 236, for its last take-off out of Duluth.
With the departure of the last Block 25 the 148th becomes a true block 50 unit. A unit that is now focused only on its new aircraft and the Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) mission that goes along with it.
"We are extremely lucky to be flying the newest and the most capable F-16 in the US Air Force inventory," said Stokes. "The Bulldogs will soon become the best (SEAD) Wing in the Combat Air Forces."
SSgt. Charles Thurber stands by as the last F-16C block 25 #84-1236 prepares for it's final departure flight on September 14th, 2010 at the 148th FW ANGB in Duluth. The 148th FW has transitioned to the block 50 F-16 and this block 25 was the last to be replaced. [USAF photo by SMSgt. Ralph Kapustka]
"Bitter/sweet," is how Col Frank Stokes, 148FW Commander, described the moment as he watched Staff Sgt. Andy Rohweder, 148FW Crew Chief, prepare the "Queen of the Fleet", aircraft 236, for its last take-off out of Duluth.
With the departure of the last Block 25 the 148th becomes a true block 50 unit. A unit that is now focused only on its new aircraft and the Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) mission that goes along with it.
"We are extremely lucky to be flying the newest and the most capable F-16 in the US Air Force inventory," said Stokes. "The Bulldogs will soon become the best (SEAD) Wing in the Combat Air Forces."
Courtesy of 148th FW
Additional images:
The 148th FW's last F-16C block 25 #84-1236 prepares for it's final departure flight on September 14th, 2010 at the ANGB in Duluth. The 148th FW has transitioned to the block 50 F-16 and this block 25 was the last to be replaced. [USAF photo by SSgt. Donald Acton]
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