WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Coast Guard searchers found crash debris Oct. 16 in the Atlantic Ocean believed to belong to a missing Air Force pilot's F-16 Fighting Falcon that collided Oct. 15 with another F-16 near the South Carolina coast during a night-training exercise, said an Air Force spokesman.

"The Coast Guard has found some debris in the ocean that is apparently from our missing F-16," said Robert Sexton, the Shaw Air Force Base Public Affairs chief in Sumter, S.C.

Shaw AFB is the home of the 20th Fighter Wing, to which the jet belong.

The two F-16s collided about 40 miles east of Folly Beach, S.C., over the Atlantic Ocean around 8:30 p.m. Oct. 15, according to an Air Force news release. The pilot of one plane, Capt. Lee Bryant, was able to safely land his damaged jet at Charleston AFB, S.C.

The other pilot, Capt. Nicholas Giglio, is missing.

"They have not yet found any sign of the pilot and the search continues," Mr. Sexton said. No one witnessed what happened to Captain Giglio after the collision.

The incident, he said, occurred during a routine night-training mission.

Foul weather, including rain and fog, hindered the Coast Guard's search for Captain Giglio, Mr. Sexton said.

"The Coast Guard is doing an absolutely incredible job of running the search and rescue mission," he said. "We're just tremendously grateful for the assistance of the Coast Guard, the Navy, Charleston Air Force Base (and) all of the other agencies that are participating in the search and rescue."

The F-16s are "CJ" models optimized for suppression of enemy air defenses, Mr. Sexton said.

A board of officers will investigate the incident and details will be released as they become available.

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) -- Two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft collided during night training exercises Oct. 15 over the Atlantic Ocean about 40 miles east of Folly Beach, S.C.

Captain Nicholas Giglio, from the 20th Fighter Wing here, and his aircraft are missing and a search is underway.

The second F-16, piloted by Capt. Lee Bryant, was able to land safely at Charleston AFB, S.C. Captain Bryant was unharmed.

Aircraft and surface vessels of the U.S. Coast Guard are combing the ocean east of Charleston.

A board of officers will investigate the accident. As additional details become available, they will be released.

Col. David Lujan, 56th Operations Group deputy commander, became the 17th pilot, according to Lockheed's magazine, "Code One," ever to reach that milestone when he flew this memorable sortie Dec. 22.

"It's pretty good company to be with," said the command pilot who's been flying the F-16 since 1988.

Colonel Lujan attributes his many hours logged to having always been in flying assignments, he said. After spending the equivalent of more than 166 straight days flying in the F-16, he has no problems singing the jet's praises.

"She has always brought me home," he said. "Take-offs equal the landings which is always a good thing. The 'Viper' jet is a wonderful machine, which can be very unforgiving when you don't respect its limitations; bottom line is that it's a sweetheart of a jet when you treat it right."

The colonel said he has seen the aircraft evolve from a very simple fighter to a very complex, highly-capable war machine.

"This jet is the backbone of our fighter force in the Air Force for the near future," he said. "It will perform its duties extremely well until it gets replaced by the Joint Strike Fighter."

Of all the hours he's spent flying the F-16, the hours he remembers best are from deployments, supporting ground forces engaged in combat.

"I remember my first combat sortie in [Operation] Desert Storm. That was interesting, to say the least," Colonel Lujan said. "I also remember cleaning the racks off in an Operation Iraqi Freedom combat sortie with a motivated joint terminal attack controller this past August.

"I can guarantee you that all the exciting sorties I have ever been in have one thread in common," he said. "They were all air-to-ground in support of the Army in combat operations. That ought to tell you about the real mission of the F-16, right?"

Despite amassing 4,000 hours and the years of experience in the Air Force, Colonel Lujan doesn't look back and keeps his eyes on the horizon.

"It is not about how much time you have logged that is important, it is about how well you employ that aircraft in the future," he said. "The future is today and tomorrow, not yesterday. An extensive logbook is not the key to fighter aviation success, the key to success in fighter aviation is how well you do your job right now and in the future."

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- Ten years ago, Iraqi air force Brig. Gen. Ali al-Aaragy was flying F-1 Mirage fighters for his country's air force, but on Dec. 15 he was flying in an F-16 Fighting Falcon over Arizona.

The general, who works as his country's air force adviser to the minister of defense, visited Luke AFB to enhance the relationship and partnership between the Iraqi air force and the U.S. Air Force.

"It was a dream come true to fly in the F-16," the general said after his flight that was piloted by Lt. Col. Jack Maixner, the 63rd Fighter Squadron commander.

The general spent about 10 days in the United States, first visiting Randolph AFB, Texas, where he flew in the T-6 Texan and T-38 Talon, two aircraft he said he hopes will soon be entering the Iraqi air force's inventory. The general said the visit to the American bases allowed him to see the current developments in training and fighter aircraft for possible procurement by his country's government.

At Luke AFB, the Iraqi general spoke with Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, the 56th Fighter Wing commander, who explained how Luke AFB is organized, managed and operates. This was one of the most impressive aspects of the U.S. Air Force he learned about during his trip, General Ali said.

"I like how each air base is different and was surprised to see how they are managed," he said. "I would like to copy these air bases and place them in Iraq."

Not only was the general impressed with the way Air Force bases are managed, but partnership with local communities was another factor he said was an impressive aspect of the U.S. Air Force.

General Ali, who has 2,000 hours in the French-made F-1 Mirage, praised the Air Force and what it's done for his country and air force in Iraq.

"Our cooperation with the Coalition Air Force Training Teams has led Iraq to be able to protect the infrastructure, fight terrorists and insurgents and protect Iraq's sovereignty," he said. "The Iraqi people know that terrorism is a threat to Iraq and right now the Iraqi army and air force enjoy good cooperation with the people in regard to reporting suspicious activities."

After his visit to Luke AFB, the general was scheduled to return to Iraq, bringing photos and videos of his trip to not only show his government, but also the Iraqi people, capabilities, partnership and friendship the U.S. Air Force is giving Iraq.

"I want to thank the U.S. Air Force for how they are helping us and trying to push the Iraqi air force forward," General Ali said. "We are working together as one team to rebuild the Iraqi air force."

The photos and videos shot by Airmen from the 1st Combat Camera Squadron at Charleston AFB, S.C., are to be aired on Iraqi national television Jan. 6 for the Iraqi armed forces day.

"Through our television channels, we will be able to show the people how the U.S. Air Force is working with us to build a new Iraqi air force," the general said.

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) -- An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron here crashed about 12:00 p.m. today south of Alamo Lake, Ariz.

At the time of the accident, the F-16 was on an air-to-air student training mission. One pilot was on board. The status of the pilot is unknown at this time.

A board of officers will be convened to investigate the accident.

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- Hill Air Force Base officials rolled out the first of 11 configured F-16 Fighting Falcons for the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.

During a ceremonial hand over Oct. 24, attended by incoming 2008-2009 Thunderbirds commander and lead pilot Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, and a full house of media, military and civilian spectators, Ogden Air Logistics Center officials presented the first converted jet to the aerial demonstration team.

Each aircraft will receive a Block 52 upgrade, which includes the Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program, also known as Falcon STAR. The program replaces or repairs the known life-limited structures. This avoids the onset of widespread fatigue damage in order to maintain flight safety, enhance aircraft availability and extend the life of affected components.

Additionally, the 309th Maintenance Wing along with the 508th Aerospace Sustainment Wing, both under the Ogden ALC, are partnering to remove the weapons system from each aircraft and replace it with a smoke-generating system. Each aircraft gets a new red, white and blue paint job too.

"If these aircraft were needed in a combat situation, they can be reverted back to combat-ready in three days," said 1st Lt. Elbert Mose, a program manager in the 508th Aircraft Sustainment Group. "We have never had a situation where that has happened, but in 72 hours we could put the gun system back into a plane and (it would) be completely ready."

Colonel Thomas said the delivery of the first air show-ready Thunderbird at Hill is significant to more than just would-be air show spectators.

"This is about more than just fancy maneuvers in the sky," he said. "It's exciting because you see the high level of dedication and commitment that Team Hill has put into the airplane, and you know it's the same product our warfighter Airmen are taking into combat."

Air Force officials already are upgrading F-16's through the Common Configuration Implementation Program. Ogden ALC workers are slated to de-modify an older series of Thunderbirds to the Block 32 version in order to make them combat ready, in addition to several other CCIP modifications that occurred earlier this year.

These aircraft eventually will replace the current Thunderbirds F-16s and should be ready for the 2009 show season.

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here destroyed an al-Qaida training camp southwest of Baghdad July 21.

In a coordinated attack, joint air terminal controllers on the ground cleared seven F-16s to drop 500-pound and 1,000-pound guided bombs on the terror complex near Karbala.

The precision-guided weapons destroyed the target, degrading al-Qaida's ability to mount attacks on the Iraqi government, coalition forces and innocent civilians.

The destruction of the terrorist facility is part of aggressive and comprehensive operations to hunt down, capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq, said Col. Charles Moore, the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group commander.

"Our Airmen and other coalition forces are helping Iraq achieve a stable government and ultimately, helping the United States and our allies to defeat terrorism," he said.

A large part of the 332nd AEW's combat effectiveness stems from the Air Force's culture of excellence.

"We train day-to-day to make sure when we are called upon to deliver, we do it with precision and professionalism," said Capt. Kevin Hicok, a pilot with the 13th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed here from Misawa Air Base, Japan.

"Deliberate coordination and careful planning goes into every weapons drop," Captain Hicok said, "to ensure that we have a positive ID on the target and that everyone is on the same page."

The recent increase in air operations is part of the coalition's increasing pressure on violent extremists, primarily in Baghdad and nearby areas.

In a separate air strike north of Baghdad July 22, another F-16 from Balad AB dropped a precision-guided weapon on a terrorist weapons cache in a rural area, destroying it and detonating the explosives stored inside.

"I could not be prouder of the way our Airmen performed on Saturday," Colonel Moore said. "The events of this past weekend once again demonstrate the Air Force's ability to deliver decisive combat airpower any place and at any time."

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- An Air Force F-16 deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing crashed on base during takeoff at 4:55 p.m. July 15.

The pilot of the single-seat aircraft ejected safely and was transported to the Air Force Theater Hospital for evaluation.

The aircraft was flying on a combat mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing close air support to ground forces fighting anti-Iraq forces.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- An F-15 Eagle and an F-16 Fighting Falcon were involved in a midair collision over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex at 11:23 a.m. June 11. Both aircraft were participating in a training mission.

The F-15, assigned to Langley Air Force Base, Va., crashed in a rural area. The pilot ejected safely and was transported to Bassett Army Community Hospital at Fort Wainwright for evaluation.

Emergency response teams responded to the incident. Although damaged, the F-16, assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev., was able to return to Eielson safely. The pilot was uninjured.

A board of officers will investigate the incident. Additional details will be provided as soon as they become available.

(Courtesy of the 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley presented the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, one of the service's top safety awards, to a fighter pilot during a ceremony June 5 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. Assisting in the presentation was Koren Kolligian, nephew of the trophy's namesake.

The award recipient, Lt. Col. Peter Byrne, was honored for an incident last June in which he had a stroke while flying an F-16 Fighting Falcon out of Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. Colonel Byrne kept his jet aloft for another 90 minutes before returning to Buckley.

"Living through a stroke with immediate care is tough enough," General Corley said of the Air National Guardsman. "To do it while flying an F-16 is superhuman."

The Kolligian Trophy is awarded annually for "outstanding feats of Airmanship by aircrew members who by extraordinary skill, exceptional alertness, ingenuity or proficiency, averted accidents or minimized the seriousness of accidents in terms of injury, loss of life, aircraft damage or property damage."

Colonel Byrne's decisive actions and ability to cope with the traumatic event prevented a potentially catastrophic mishap. While engaged in tactical combat maneuvers, he felt a pinching in his neck, what would later be diagnosed as the dissection of his vertebral artery.

"I could barely move my arms or hands," said Colonel Byrne, 140th Wing vice commander. "It took every bit of concentration I had just to get the autopilot on."

Fighting vertigo, pain and nausea, Colonel Byrne said his primary concern was avoiding populated areas in case he had to eject. His wingmen quickly came to his aid and flew with him for the next hour and a half, helping him stay focused.

With fuel running low, Colonel Byrne's symptoms eased enough for him to coax the F-16 back to Buckley for a perfect landing.

"By some miracle, I was able to land," Colonel Byrne said. "I credit my survival in the air to my wingmen and I credit my survival on the ground to the discipline and efforts of the crews on the ground. They saved my life. It's truly an honor to receive this award."

The trophy is named after 1st Lt. Koren Kolligian Jr., a pilot whose T-33 Shooting Star went missing off the California coast in 1955.

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFPN) -- Four more F-16s are scheduled to arrive in Poland Dec. 14 as part of a second wave of a 48-aircraft delivery and a $3.8 billion program executed by Aeronautical Systems Center and the Air Force Security Assistance Center here.

The F-16 deliveries are part of the Poland Peace Sky Program, a Foreign Military Sales effort that began in April 2003 and is managed by the U.S. Air Force for the United States.

The first four aircraft delivered under the program arrived in country Nov. 9 amid much fanfare. Numerous dignitaries for both countries attended the arrival ceremony, including Polish President Lech Kaczynski, First Lady Maria Kaczynski, Minister of Defense Radek Sikorski, U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe and Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe Gen. Tom Hobbins.

The program promises to build stronger relations between the two countries and advance mutual security interests for the NATO and coalition partners as they train and operate together.

According to Steve Nix, F-16 Poland security assistance program manager with the 643rd Aeronautical Systems Squadron here, numerous ASC program offices support Poland Peace Sky.

"The F-16 Poland System acquisition program is managed by the 643rd AESS with numerous key team members here at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base," said Mr. Nix. "Various other program offices manage specific components of the program, including engine acquisition, aircrew training systems, sensors, the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, the Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System and the Common Munitions Bit Reprogramming Equipment."

In addition to ASC's and AFSAC's program execution role, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and Air Force International Affairs led a team effort involving numerous organizations in developing the Poland Peace Sky Program.

Deliveries will take place until December 2008, with the country to receive a total of 36 F-16C and 12 F-16D models.

The Polish F-16s will be the most advanced fighter aircraft in NATO. Worldwide, 24 air forces fly more than 4,300 F-16s combined.

A ceremonial rollout of the first Polish F-16 took place at the Lockheed Martin production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15. The aircraft purchase by Poland constitutes the first such buy from the United States by a former Warsaw Pact country.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Maj. Troy L. Gilbert, the pilot of the Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations that crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27, was officially listed as killed in action.

Positive identification was made through DNA analysis by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Gilbert family as they grieve the loss of a husband, father, son, son-in-law and Air Force warrior and patriot," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces. "His loss is felt by Troy's entire Air Force family."

Major Gilbert was flying in direct support of coalition ground combat operations when his plane crashed Nov. 27. Until the positive identification was made on Dec. 1 from human remains recovered from the crash site, U.S. Central Command Air Forces had listed Maj. Gilbert as "duty status whereabouts unknown." The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Major Gilbert was assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and was deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) -- The Block 30 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron here are set to enter upgrade in the Air Force's Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program aimed at extending the service life of the aircraft.
The improvement to the fleet follows previous air-to-ground dominance to air-to-air interdiction upgrades to adapt to an ever-changing mission, officials here said.
Over the years, each F-16 aged more than four times as fast when compared to the original design conceived by General Dynamics and the Air Force in the 1970s. The F-16 remains the fighter of choice for U.S. Forces Korea, said Capt. Christopher Lombardo, the 8th Maintenance Operations Squadron operations officer.
He added that as the F-16 continues to adapt to an evolving mission, attaining the aircraft's mandated service life of 8,000 hours "is critically important to the aircraft sustainment community."
"Quite simply, Falcon STAR replaces the structural components that are aging prematurely," Captain Lombardo said. "After the modification, the aircraft will have the newest and most reliable materials needed to take the aircraft through its designed operational life."
Each aircraft has a new maximum operational weight of approximately 39,000 pounds, due to its use of an array of weaponry from Global Positioning System guided bombs to radar-guided, air-to-air missiles. The previous designed weight for the F-16 was 22,500 pounds.
Because of the extra stress put on these airframes, 8th Fighter Wing leaders, in an alliance with Korea Aerospace Industries, are working together to update and harden several areas of the aircraft, including the frame, support beams and bulkheads.
"This modification benefits the Air Force, because we're extending the life span of the F-16," Captain Lombardo said. "Not only does this modification increase the reliability of the aircraft structure, but it indirectly reduces the ... sustainment costs by replacing aging items with durable materials."
Modifications on two aircraft are already under way and expected to be complete by February. Each F-16 at Kunsan should have its Falcon STAR upgrades completed by early 2008. Falcon STAR is also supported by Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units supporting F-16 operations.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- The interim safety investigation board convened by U.S. Central Command Air Forces has begun its efforts to gather evidence to determine what caused an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon to crash approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad at about 1:35 p.m. Nov. 27.

The single-seat jet was in direct support of extensive coalition ground combat operations when it crashed in an uninhabited field.

Coalition reconnaissance assets and fighter aircraft were overhead when the crash occurred and confirmed that insurgents were in the vicinity of the crash site immediately following the crash.

Ground forces secured the crash scene Nov. 27 as soon as the combat operations in the area ceased. The primary concerns of USCENTAF in responding to this incident have been the safety of coalition forces and the recovery of the pilot.

The pilot was not found at the crash site and his status cannot be confirmed at this time. The investigation board has collected DNA samples from the crash site and will release results upon completion of testing.

The F-16 was deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The accident investigation convening authority is Air Combat Command.

WASHINGTON - The Air Force has convened an investigative board to look into the crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in combat operations over Iraq yesterday.

The board will look into what caused the F-16CG single-seat fighter to crash about 20 miles northwest of Baghdad around 1:35 p.m.

The pilot of the craft is officially listed as “duty status: whereabouts unknown,” coalition spokesman Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell said during a Baghdad news conference today.

While the cause of the crash is unknown, there is nothing to suggest that insurgents shot down the aircraft Caldwell said. The aircraft was part of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Stephen Hoog, air component coordination element director for Multinational Force Iraq, said the fighter was part of a “troops in contact” operation. The aircraft was under operational control of ground commanders at the time of the incident.

Hoog said officials have retrieved DNA material from the site and that it will take two to four days to analyze the material.

Immediately after the crash, other aircraft and surveillance assets were over the site, the general said. “Those assets did observe insurgents in the vicinity of the crash site,” he added.

A quick-reaction force secured the area as soon as combat operations in the area finished. Hoog said officials found the ejection seat, but it wasn’t possible to determine if the pilot had used the seat or not.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of Baghdad Nov. 27 at about 1:35 p.m. Baghdad time with one pilot on board. A board will be convened to investigate the incident.

POZNAN, Poland - The first F-16 Fighting Falcons acquired by the Polish air force arrived at the 31st Air Base here Nov. 9 and were featured at a special roll-out ceremony.

Gen. Tom Hobbins, Allied Air Component commander and U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, represented the Air Force chief of staff at the event which included speeches by the Polish president, as well as a blessing of the aircraft and consecration ceremony.

"Poland's acquisition of the F-16 cements the relationship between the U.S. Air Force and the Polish air force for several decades to come," said General Hobbins. "This ceremony demonstrates that Poland has become a very powerful and more vital member of NATO than ever before."

The aircraft arrival marked a great leap forward for Poland as they transform from aging Soviet-style equipment to some of the most advanced systems in Europe and NATO, the general said.

"Poland's F-16s represent the most sophisticated aircraft in Eastern Europe and will serve as a military-to-military engagement magnet for forces in Europe," he said. "These aircraft are extremely capable in any of the NATO roles, whether they're utilized in counter-air missions in the NATO Response Force, or air defense with the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan."

In addition to the sophistication aspect of the aircraft, the F-16 acquisition improves interoperability between NATO nations.

"From an interoperability standpoint, air policing will be one of the things that will be greatly enhanced as Poland brings down the MIG-29s and begins to develop operational F-16s to do that role," the general said.

To prepare the Polish air force for the arrival of their new aircraft, Polish pilots and maintainers trained with their American counterparts in the U.S. to learn about the F-16's capabilities.

"There is a flow of Polish pilots going through training in the U.S. right now and coming back to Poland," said Lt. Col. Eric Salomonson, an instructor pilot with the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing. "We currently have 11 pilots training in Arizona now."

Lt. Col. Salomonson said the Air Force is currently helping and assisting the Polish with standing up their squadron in Poland, as well as rotating mobile training teams through to assist with aircraft maintenance.

As the Polish air force acquires a total of 48 F-16s over the next two years, the U.S. will continue to provide exchanges with their Polish counterparts to improve their F-16 partnerships and capabilities.

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- A 22nd Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed at 1 p.m. local time Sept. 14 near the town of Oberkail, about 10 miles north of this busy fighter base.
The pilot ejected safely and is in good condition, said Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore, a spokesperson for the 52nd Fighter Wing.
The aircraft was on a training mission. Initial reports show that the aircraft only damaged trees and the field on impact, Sergeant Moore said. The region of Germany where the base is located, known as the Eifel, is an area of rolling hills and wooded areas. The area also has many farms.
Emergency crews from the base and local German authorities, including firefighters, medical personnel and security forces, are on the scene. Air Force officials are working closely with their German counterparts at the scene. The first responders established a 5,000-foot cordon around the accident site.
Base officials said a board of Air Force officials will investigate the cause of the accident.
The fighter wing maintains, deploys and employs F-16 and A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft. It supports U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. European Command and NATO. The area of responsibility in which the unit operates reaches from the Arctic Circle to South Africa and from the eastern shore of the Atlantic Ocean to the Middle East.

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Two F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron passed 6,000 flying hours during two recent Operation Iraqi Freedom combat missions over Iraq.
Flown by Lt. Col. Mark Cline, 421st EFS commander, and Capt. Nick Edwards, aircraft numbers 88-0471 and 88-0428 were the first Block 40 F-16s to achieve this milestone in combat.
This accomplishment is rare, officials said. Only one other Block 40 F-16 in the Air Force inventory has reached the 6,000 flying-hour mark.
Designers of the F-16 forecasted the aircraft design life to be 8,000 flying hours, according to Lockheed Martin officials. However, Air Force officials expect the F-16 to be in service beyond the year 2020, taking the jets beyond 8,000 flight hours.
Aircraft 88-0428 was accepted into service in September 1989 and aircraft 88-0471 was accepted in January 1990 and assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, ever since. Both were deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, four times in support of Operation Southern Watch and three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The crew chief on aircraft 88-0471 is Senior Airman Trent Nelson, with assistants Senior Airman Jason Wall and Senior Airman Tom Manues. The crew chief on aircraft 88-0428 is Senior Airman Victor Alvarez with assistant Senior Airman James Speicher.
"It is an honor to crew such a great jet, especially doing what she was made for here in a combat zone," Airman Nelson said. "It's a great feeling to crew the flagship and launch Colonel Cline for a milestone like this, but it's just the pride of the squadron taking care of business."
Upgrades and improvements to the engines and parts of the jets through the Service-Life Extension Program have helped extend the life of these aircraft, said Capt. Mark Sloan, 421st Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge.
For these jets to have reached this milestone is a testament to the maintenance professionals who work these jets every day, said Chief Master Sgt. Dave Edwards, 421st AMU noncommissioned officer in charge.
"I've seen these jets roll over the 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 flying hour mark, and the incredible thing is that after all these hours, they are flying as well today as they did when they were accepted off the production line," the chief said. "The reason these jets have performed this well, for this long, is the blood, sweat and tears the maintainers pour into these aircraft."

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- An F-16CJ Fighting Falcon pilot ejected from his aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean April 5 after experiencing a gravity-induced loss of consciousness and awaking to find his aircraft in an unrecoverable dive, according to an Air Combat Command report released today. The pilot suffered serious injuries during the high-speed ejection, which took place while the aircraft was traveling in excess of 750 miles per hour. The aircraft, assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., crashed into the ocean approximately 80 miles northeast of Charleston, S.C., and was destroyed. The cost of the aircraft loss is estimated at nearly $23 million.
At the time of the incident the pilot was performing a high-gravity maneuver during a basic fighter maneuver training mission.
The investigating officer concluded there was substantial evidence that physical fatigue from flying five high-G sorties in three days, an extended layoff from flying and the mental stress associated with his instructor pilot upgrade training were contributing factors to the pilot's loss of consciousness.

COMBINED AIR OPERATIONS CENTER, Southwest Asia (AFPN) -- Two U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons, supporting coalition actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, dropped precision munitions near Baquba, Iraq, on June 7, killing al Qaida's leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and other terrorists.
The aircraft, assigned to U.S. Central Command Air Forces, dropped two precision-guided 500-pound bombs, a GBU-12 laser-guided bomb and a GBU-38 joint direct attack munition, destroying an isolated terrorist safe house, where al-Zarqawi and other terrorists were meeting.
"The death of al-Zarqawi, and his accomplices, is a tremendous success for the Iraqi people and the coalition forces in the collective fight against al-Qaida in Iraq and the war on terror," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, commander of U.S. Central Command Air Forces.
U.S. and coalition military aircrews, aircraft and support personnel provide 24/7 air and space power in support of coalition ground forces. Close-air support, air refueling, airlift, aeromedical evacuation, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft and remotely piloted vehicles have provided critical air component support to U.S. Central Command ground and naval forces during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
"As clearly stated by Prime Minister Maliki, every time a Zarqawi appears, we will kill him," General North said. "Although this is a time for celebration, let it be clear to all terrorists that our efforts continue, and we will not rest until they have been captured or killed and the people of Iraq and Afghanistan enjoy the freedom they deserve."

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- Three Air Force units have started accelerated testing of a LITENING-AT targeting pod. ;The 416th Flight Test Squadron ;here is ;working ;with the 85th Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and the 422nd OTES at Nellis AFB, Nev., to ;update the existing LITENING pod with several new capabilities for ;warfighters, including a video downlink transmitter currently used in the Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

"The transmitter, called the ;ROVER Module, was pulled out of the Predator and allows the video the pilot is looking at to be immediately, real-time downlinked to a ground station in the form of a laptop computer held by the joint terminal attack controllers," said Maj. Alan Wigdahl, 416th FLTS chief of flight safety and an experimental test pilot. ; ROVER is the Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver. ;
The videos can also be transmitted to ground commanders, allowing them to make immediate decisions about a target. This capability will give troops greater situational awareness while minimizing the amount of time the F-16 Fighting Falcon must spend in the target area.
"This means the F-16 can stay far away, without alerting the enemy of our presence and give us real-time video for downlink to ground forces engaged in combat operations," said Andy Bromsey, 416th FLTS project manager for the LITENING-AT plug-and-play test acceleration.
A test acceleration gives priority to a test program here, enabling the test team to deliver a proven system directly to the warfighter in the least possible time.
"All the tests we do at Edwards are important," ;Major Wigdahl said. "However, there are some, as in the case of the LITENING AT pod, that are direct requests from the guys over in the Middle East who need a new or improved capability as soon as possible."
The team focuses on efficient testing, making sure they get the capability fully evaluated and out to the warfighter, said Kris Peterson, 416th FLTS armaments engineer.
"With a critical schedule it doesn't pay to go up there and waste any time," Mr. Peterson said. "But we don't skip any of the processes we already have in place because they're designed to create efficient, safe testing. The challenge we have with test accelerations is we have to accelerate everything within a set time frame."
In mid-March, the F-16 systems group at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, forwarded an urgent need request for a new capability to be delivered to U.S. Central Command.
"As soon as we received the tasking, we put the Edwards' program management planning tool into action," Mr. Bromsey said. "Within hours we were able to establish complete support for the test (acceleration) and analyze the effects on other test projects within the squadron."
One way of accelerating the test process was having the units from Nellis and Eglin work alongside the 416th FLTS.
Major Wigdahl said that, historically, developmental test and evaluation determined if a system worked safely and as designed, and operational test and evaluation determined if the system met the warfighter's needs.
"In today's leaner Air Force, we've been able to combine developmental and operational testing by hosting (operational test) pilots here at Edwards or by deploying our teams to Eglin or Nellis," Major Wigdahl said. "These combined efforts are paying huge dividends by saving test resources and by improving the combat capabilities of the systems under test."
This new capability is scheduled to be operational, in theater, July 1. ;
(Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)

Pakistan’s cabinet on Wednesday gave clearance to the purchase of up to 77 F-16 fighter planes from the US, marking a significant expansion for the country’s air force.

The Pakistani government did not reveal the price it would pay for the deal, nor did it say when the aircraft would be delivered. But according to western diplomats in Islamabad, the F-16s could cost Pakistan U$3-3.5bn.

While announcing the cabinet’s agreement to the F-16 purchase, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Pakistan’s information minister, revealed that the cabinet had also given approval for the purchase of an unspecified number of Chinese fighter aircraft known as FC-10s.

Last November, General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s military ruler, suspended plans for the purchase of new fighter aircraft. Pakistan was then concerned that donors eager to help deal with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake would pull out if the country planned to spend money on planes. Pakistan was seeking more than U$6bn in international aid for relief and reconstruction work. Foreign donors have now offered about $6.2bn.

“Obviously, General Musharraf is confident that the worst following the earthquake is now comfortably behind Pakistan,” said a senior western diplomat in Islamabad.

Buying the aircraft could help General Musharraf politically. Pakistani nationalists have questioned his support for the US-led war on terror, saying the US often benefits more from the relationship than Pakistan.

“The failure to secure new F-16s was often cited as evidence of a policy failure in relations with the US,” said a senior Pakistani official, after Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. “Now, a new agreement for F-16s could help to address that failure”.

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) -- The F-16 Fighting Falcon student pilot whose plane crashed April 11 was treated and released from a local medical center after safely ejecting from the aircraft. Capt. Jason Attaway, assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron, was on a two-ship student training mission heading toward an air-to-air training area to perform basic fighter maneuvers when the incident occurred. ;
The flight lead pilot circled the area, notified base officials and flew over the crash site to communicate with the captain on the ground. Captain Attaway has logged approximately 30 hours of flying time in an F-16.
The incident occurred in Luke's southern departure corridor. This is an area where base officials have worked closely with local, county and state officials to ensure compatible civilian growth in conjunction with safe flight operations.
A safety board has 30 days to complete the investigation. The board president will determine during this time when the aircraft can be removed from the crash site.
Approximately 150 flights per day are flown at Luke Air Force Base. The base hosts the largest fighter wing in the Air Force and graduated 431 student pilots in 2005.
During beginning Air Force flight training, students receive initial egress instruction where they learn basic ejection procedures, parachute operations and parachute landing falls. Students also receive refresher egress training in an F-16 ejection seat every six months.

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) -- The pilot of the F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned ;here that crashed April 5 at around 5:40 p.m. was found by the U.S. Coast Guard about two hours later and taken to a nearby U.S. Navy ship for stabilization. ;
Capt. Ted Shultz, assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron here, was then transported via Coast Guard helicopter to a hospital in Charleston, S.C., for further treatment, Coast Guard officials said. No details have been provided on his current condition. ;
The aircraft crashed about 35 miles off the coast of South Carolina. At the time of the accident, Captain Shultz was participating in a training mission. ;
A board of officers will investigate the accident.

by Senior Airman Joel Mease
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) -- Hundreds of physical and mental training hours go into being a part of one of the most advanced careers in the world -- an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot.

The F-16’s multiple missions, such as air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, make it one of the most versatile aircraft in the Air Force, said Capt. Charlie Wolfsandle, 55th Fighter Squadron assistant training officer.

To be selected to fly the F-16, an individual has to pass a battery of physical and mental tests. Pilots are selected for training when they receive a commission and are then sent to initial pilot training. Those selected to fly the F-16 during initial training are then sent to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., for F-16 training, said Maj. Mike Sadlowski, 55th FS B-Flight commander.

Pilots must be in good physical condition to handle the stresses the F-16 puts on a body when flying, Major Sadlowski said.

"The F-16 can pull (nine times the force of gravity) which is more than any other aircraft in the Air Force," Major Sadlowski said.

When a pilot pulls positive Gs, blood is pulled to the feet. When pulling negative Gs, blood is sent to the head, Major Sadlowski said.

Because of the gravity changes, any movement a pilot makes is magnified and causes the pilot to put more effort into any activity he or she performs, Captain Wolfsandle said.

Besides the physical challenges, there is a lot of mental work required of a pilot before taking off, the major said.

Flight preparation begins a day before the flight. A pilot has to consider the number of jets flying, the route the pilot will be taking, the configuration of the jet for the mission and what the potential weather will be, he said.

When the pilots report for their flight they have more pre-flight briefings and inspect the aircraft, he said.

"There is really around six to seven hours of prep time for a one-to-two hour flight," Major Sadlowski said.

The most difficult mental challenge is paying close attention to the details.

"With such an advanced weapons system, a pilot always has to be looking in the books to keep up to date with the latest systems," Major Sadlowski said.

A pilot must be ready to learn new things and adapt to new surroundings, Captain Wolfsandle said.

Paying attention to the small details and keeping up to date with new knowledge allows pilots to survive when something goes wrong. Since the F-16 is a single-engine jet, pilots have to know what do when a malfunction occurs because of how fast things will happen in the air, the captain said.

"Since the start of training, you begin to memorize the emergency checklists, and if you forget they won't let you fly," Captain Wolfsandle said.

Both pilots agree that even with all their training and prep work, they cannot accomplish their mission without everyone's support on the base.

"Every Airman on this base is doing something to support us. Without them we wouldn't even be able to get the jet up in the air," Captain Wolfsandle said.

Lockheed Martin successfully completed the maiden flight of the first Polish F-16 on March 14, 2006. The flight took place in Ft. Worth, Texas, USA and marks a key milestone in the success of the Peace Sky program. The F-16 is part of a 48-aircraft order by the Government of Poland and is planned for delivery to the Polish Air Force later this year.

The pilot for the first flight was Paul Hattendorf, a company test pilot for Lockheed Martin. He performed numerous system checks, including engine throttle transients at various altitudes and radar checks using a photo chase F-16 as a simulated target. Hattendorf also took the aircraft to supersonic speeds and performed high-g maneuvers during the flight, which lasted just over an hour. After several additional check flights by both company and U.S. Air Force test pilots, this first Polish F-16 is scheduled to be ferried to Edwards AFB, Calif., in April for more system-specific testing.

“The Poland Peace Sky program continues to progress right on schedule,” said Irma Sippel, director of the Poland F-16 program. “First flight is a significant milestone and the first of several leading to the planned arrival of the aircraft in Poland later this year. We continue to be excited about our progress and about meeting our customer’s expectations.”

The F-16, selected by 24 countries, is the multi-role fighter of choice. It has more than 12 million flight hours among more than 4,300 aircraft produced.

“The record number of customer reorders reinforces the value of this incredible fighter, which shares technological enhancements with the 5TH Generation F-22 and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter,” said June Shrewsbury, vice president of F-16 programs. “Today’s F-16 is the most advanced fighter in international service. It is the most combat-tested multi-role aircraft, carrying the most up-to-date weapons and having lowest possible acquisition, operation and support costs.”

When delivered, Polish F-16s will be the most advanced in NATO. Features of the Block 52+ include an AN/APG-68(V) 9 radar fire control system and a Sniper Extended Range pod, which is an advanced targeting pod designed with an infrared pointer, laser, day TV, forward looking infrared, laser spot tracker and advanced algorithms. The pod delivers superior tracking performance and reliability. Additionally, the multi-role fighter developed for Poland is equipped with a helmet-mounted cueing system used for directing precision guided munitions and off-boresight missiles as well as for increasing pilot situational awareness. The aircraft is designed to be fully interoperable with NATO and European Union missions.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 35th Fighter Squadron here crashed into the West Sea during a training mission at about 9:30 a.m. today.
The aircraft's pilot ejected safely and was rescued by a South Korean air force helicopter at about 10:25 a.m.
The pilot was transported to the Kunsan Air Base medical clinic and is in good condition.
Eight Fighter Wing leaders praised the swift response of the Korean HH-60 helicopter crew that recovered the pilot from waters estimated at 41 degrees by base weather officials.
"Today's rescue shows the great cooperation and support we receive from our ROKAF partners and reaffirms the benefit of joint training," said Col. Brian Bishop, wing commander. "We're very happy that the pilot has been safely recovered and is back at Kunsan in good condition."
A board of qualified officers is investigating the accident.

ABU DHABI — Military authorities have started an investigation into the crash of an F16 Falcon block 60 fighter plane which was reported officially by the UAE Armed Forces Headquarters yesterday.

There were no casualties in the incident. This variant of the Lockheed Martin built F16 is regarded as one of the world’s most versatile multi-role fighter aircraft and has been hailed as a significant addition to the UAE Air Force capability. Official sources declined to release details on how the crash occurred, but said an investigation was under way “to determine the cause of the accident.” The source said the crash occurred yesterday morning. An official statement carried by Emirates News Agency (Wam) said “the pilot landed safely after ejecting from the crashing plane.”

Attempts by your favourite No. 1 newspaper Khaleej Times to get more details on the crash from the UAE Armed Forces Headquarters last night were not successful. An aircraft purchase, originally announced in 1998 for the ‘Block 60’ F16 fighter, came to fruition in May last year with delivery of the first batch of aircraft.

The contract for 80 aircraft is understood to be worth $6.4 billion and it saw the fighter delivered with some of the most modern equipment and systems available, including new cockpit displays, advanced mission computer and internal sensor suite. With many advanced features, the fighter has the flexibility to be deployed in a range of roles. The F16 was selected by the UAE in May 1998 after an intensive evaluation process. According to Lockheed Martin, the F-16 is the world's most successful and sought-after fighter. The UAE was the 21st country to order the F-16.

The F16 will be the ‘Superstar’ of the Aerobatics Show 2006, to be hosted by Al Ain city during the Eid Al Adha holidays, according to Staff Maj-Gen Pilot Khalid Abdullah Al Buainain, Commander of Air Force and Air Defence. He recently unveiled that the UAE’s air force and air defence would have strong presence at the show. The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, the first of the US Air Force multi-role fighter aircraft, is regarded as the world’s most prolific fighter with more than 2,000 in service with the USAF and 2,000 operational with 23 other countries.

Washington OKs deal between Romania and Israel; Bucharest will purchase dozens of F-16 aircrafts from Israel; deal worth USD 150 million
Arieh Egozi

Under a plan to overhaul its air force Romania has turned to Israel for assistance. The East European country prefers to buy the most advanced fighter jets available on the market yet the price tag for the newest F-16 is likely to pierce a hole in Bucharest’s pocket.

Romania has therefore decided to purchase older versions of the renowned American-made jet from the Israel Defense Forces, which is also replacing its F-16 A and F-16 B fleets with F-16 I jets.

The IDF has set up a special committee to coordinate the various stages of what seems to be a complicated deal that will cost Romania an estimated USD 150 million.

Under the deal, Israeli contractor Elbit Systems will oversee the upgrading and maintenance of the fleet sold to Romania. Elbit is known to having updated MiG 21 fighters for the Romania air force in the past.

Other Israeli companies will also be contracted to upgrade Romania’s old fleet with advanced Israeli-made systems.

Israel is hoping that the successful deal will open the gate for more deals with other countries. This is no straightforward business however. Israel needs Washington’s approval for selling F-16 jets and other American-made military platforms.

The deal with Romania was approved by the American government and Lockheed Martin, the U.S. aircraft manufacturer, with no hurdles since Romania is a NATO member.

The U.S. refused to allow Israeli companies to upgrade fighter jets for the Venezuelan army in light of the political tension between Washington and Caracas.

At the time of the accident, the pilots, Maj. Steve Granger and Lt. Col. Maurice Salcedo, had just begun a training mission. They ejected safely into a river near Charleston and were taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released.

The aircraft was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron.

A board of officers will investigate the accident.

by Susan Ferns
Aeronautical Systems Center Public Affairs

- WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) -- F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., were here recently to give feedback to members of the F-16 Systems Group on upgrades made to the aircraft.

Lt. Col. John Montgomery, 55th Fighter Squadron commander, and Capt. Jim Govin, a 55th FS pilot, flew two of the newly modified F-16s here. The 55th FS is the first continental U.S. squadron to receive the aircraft with the Common Configuration Implementation Program upgrade.

The pilots spent an afternoon with group officials, briefing them on integrating the modifications into the flying unit and answering questions about the modified planes’ performance.

The purpose of the event was not only to get feedback on the current performance of the upgrade, but also to continue working with the pilots to ensure that the group is meeting current and future warfighter needs, said Col. Scott Jansson, F-16 Systems Group commander. As the enhanced capabilities change the F-16’s role and mission, the group will continue to upgrade the weapon system to support them, officials said.

“This is a huge honor ... because this is where the F-16 started. Thank you for what you do,” Colonel Montgomery said.

With the upgrade the F-16 is “the one aircraft out there that has the entire picture,” enabling it to engage in network-centric warfare, he said.

The modification involves installing a new avionics suite, which improves survivability and lethality, said Lt. Col. George Barber, the group’s chief of modernization.

The upgrade consists of five major components that provide advanced capabilities to the aircraft.

-- A new mission computer for increased processor power.

-- Color displays to communicate more information efficiently, giving pilots increased situational awareness of the battle space.

-- An air-to-air interrogator to allow F-16 pilots to communicate with other aircraft that appear on its radar.

-- An Internet-like system to enhance communication with coalition aircraft.

-- A helmet system that displays information on the pilot’s visor and permits the pilot to lock on targets just by looking at them.

“This is a complicated upgrade, with a high modification rate, and we are doing it in coordination with the (air and space expeditionary force) rotation cycle to avoid any disruption of the Air Force mission,” Colonel Barber said.

The modification program is designed to upgrade about 650 Air Force and the Air National Guard F-16s through 2010, costing more than $2 billion. Colonel Jansson said it is the largest F-16 modification effort ever undertaken.

Colonel Jansson said the Air Force has saved $21.5 million by sharing modification development costs and support plans with our European military partners.

Aeronautical Systems Center Public Affairs by Susan Ferns

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio. (AFPN) -- The general who was the F-16 System Program Office director here when the contract for the aircraft was awarded delivered the Air Force's last F-16 Fighting Falcon on March 18.

While the Lockheed Martin Aero plant in Fort Worth, Texas, will continue to produce F-16s for international coalition partners, this aircraft is the last of 2,231 F-16s produced for the Air Force, officials said. The first delivery was in 1978.

Brig. Gen. Jeff Riemer, now the director of operations at the Air Force Materiel Command headquarters here, flew the jet from the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

“It seemed fitting for General Riemer to make this historic flight, and we were pleased that he was able to accept the invitation,” said Col. Scott Jansson, Aeronautical Systems Center Fighter Attack Systems Wing’s F-16 Systems Group commander.

For his part, General Riemer said that having flown the very first F-16B while stationed at Edwards AFB, Calif., he is delighted to have had the opportunity to fly the last F-16 produced for the Air Force.

“(This F-16) is not your father’s F-16,” said Dan Mahrer, F-16 production program manager. “Originally designed as a lightweight, daytime interceptor, the F-16 Fighting Falcon has been transformed over the last 20 years into a multi-role, all weather, air-to-air and air-to-ground attack weapon system.

“Today’s F-16 has significant combat capabilities. This (version of the) jet has a new computer, multifunctional color displays, an advanced (Identification Friend or Foe) interrogator, upgraded data link system and a new helmet with an automatic target-cueing system. It has been upgraded with the latest software and cutting-edge precision weapons,” Mr. Mahrer said.

“Although this is the last new F-16 expected to be produced for the (Air Force), the F-16 Systems Group continues to technically transform the existing fleet of more than 1,300 jets, enabling evolutionary weapons delivery capabilities through 2025 and making possible a smooth transition to the F-35, the world’s premier multi-role fighter of the future,” Col. Jansson said.

The pilot ejected safely and was taken to the base hospital for evaluation, officials said.

The aircraft was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School’s 16th Weapons Squadron.

A board of officers will investigate the cause of the accident.

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- A left brake anti-skid malfunction during landing and the pilot's failure to follow an emergency checklist caused an F-16 Fighting Falcon to leave the runway while deployed July 10, according to an accident investigation board report released Feb. 15.

The aircraft came to rest on its targeting pod system, ordnance and external fuel tank at Balad Air Base, Iraq, the report stated.

The aircraft, assigned to Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Fighter Wing at Great Falls International Airport, was deployed with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The aircraft was returning from a nighttime close-air support mission when on touchdown an electrical malfunction caused the left anti-skid system to sense a skid condition in the left wheel, officials said.

During the incident, the pilot failed to follow the emergency checklist, officials said.

The malfunctioning left brake caused the aircraft to pull right during the landing rollout and leave the runway. The aircraft hit an exposed concrete manhole cover with its nose landing gear and right main landing gear and came to rest 300 feet off the taxiway.

Two additional factors contributed to the accident, the board found. The pilot's vision was restricted by a lack of airfield lighting, and he focused his attention on the pedal's nonresponsiveness instead of following emergency procedures.

Damage to the aircraft is estimated at $1.2 million. No one was injured during the mishap, and there was no additional damage to military or civilian property. (Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service)

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) -- The CJ model of the F-16 Fighting Falcon offers cutting-edge war-time fighting capabilities. Three new upgrades have helped the aircraft here transform from suppressing enemy air defenses to destroying enemy air defenses.

“With the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, the targeting pod and the Link 16, we can find something faster, share the information quicker (and) more accurately, and destroy it more unequivocally,” said Lt. Col. John Montgomery, 55th Fighter Squadron commander.

The cueing system upgrade on a helmet shows heads-up display data on the helmet visor and allows the pilot to select a target without changing the jet’s direction. The system enables the pilot to visually identify, lock the weapons system on and engage an air or ground target without looking through the heads-up display on the aircraft itself.

When seconds count in combat encounters, the system gives the F-16 pilot an exceptional edge, said Col. Philip Ruhlman, 20th Fighter Wing commander.

The targeting pod is another upgrade incorporated on the aircraft. It has a forward-looking infrared sensor which displays an infrared image of the target for the pilot. The pod helps with precise delivery of laser-guided munitions by using a laser to determine range to a target and to the ground, said Maj. Anthony Roberson, 20th Operations Support Squadron weapons and training flight commander.

In the future, pilots will have even greater capability with an advanced targeting pod known as the Sniper XR.

“The Sniper will give us a 5-fold increase over our current targeting capability. Because of our use of the (current pod) and our focus on training, Shaw’s pilots are already prepared for Sniper delivery,” Maj. Roberson said.

The third upgrade for the aircraft is the Link 16. The Link 16 allows aircraft to share cockpit data and lets pilots merge into one display what all the airplanes are seeing. The data link helps pilots quickly gain situational awareness, and it gives them a combat edge in having complete knowledge of the battle space around them.

Although each upgrade has helped in developing the dominance of F-16s, it is the combination of the three that has given the aircraft tactical superiority.

“The technical transformation of the F-16CJ has enabled evolutionary changes beyond its counter-air mission,” Colonel Ruhlman said. "Current capabilities now allow for a natural progression to fully incorporate counter-land roles of close air support and precision interdiction in addition to a foundation of SEAD (and) DEAD excellence.

"This provides the combatant commander an exceptional range of capability from which to execute key roles and missions, all the while force multiplying limited assets across a wide spectrum of threats and employment challenges," he said.

RICHMOND, Va. (AFPN) -- Defense Supply Center Richmond officials are working on a billion-dollar, multiyear project that will extend the service life of the Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcons.

The F-16 Structure Augmentation Roadmap, or "Falcon STAR," program uses parts kits to strengthen the aircraft’s structure, officials said. The kits contain everything necessary to accomplish a maintenance task.

Officials said using the kits reduces maintenance turnaround time, ultimately increasing readiness.

Center officials develop support strategies and initiate kit contracts.

Without the modification, the F-16 will not be able to attain its projected 8,000-hour service life under current operational usage, said Pat Livingston, the center’s F-16 weapon system support manager. Falcon STAR will allow the aircraft to remain in service through 2025, she said.

"(The Air Force’s) aircraft structural integrity program continues to identify areas that will not meet the service life of 8,000 flight hours," Ms. Livingston said. "The (goal is) to modify the aircraft structure before the onset of widespread fatigue damage and aircraft grounding.

"This is a ‘tip-to-tail’ modification -- 13 structural modifications including replacing bulkheads and wing-attachment fittings," she said.

Falcon STAR contains the list of structural parts necessary to address the areas identified by the aircraft structural integrity program, she said. There are more than 79,000 parts under 428 national stock numbers, all of which are managed by Defense Logistics Agency officials.

Parts for each kit are purchased by officials here and shipped to Defense Distribution Depot Red River, Texas, for assembly. The assembled kit is then shipped to Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, where the aircraft modifications are performed.

The modifications are scheduled to run through 2014, said Dave Graves, weapons system support branch chief here.

"Starting in 2006, we’ll modify F-16s for European countries as well," Mr. Graves said.

Officials here are working with the prime contractor on configuration of the kits. The contractor configured the initial 13 kits, and officials have configured 13 additional kits.

"We’ve been working configuration control issues," Mr. Graves said.

Somewhere between 40 and 100 iterations of the kit are expected, Ms. Livingston said.

The kit configuration is constantly changing because of the different aircraft configurations, said Greg Sprouse, chief of the center’s kit section.

"So far it’s going well," he said. "What we’re doing is challenging because of the different configurations. It is a variable kit -- it changes all the time."

More than 2,000 aircraft will be modified by 2014, Ms. Livingston said. Participants in the program include the Air Force and air forces in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Israel, Greece, Singapore, Thailand and Bahrain.

On average, it takes 175 days to modify an aircraft with the Falcon STAR kit, officials said. The first modification was completed 14 days ahead of schedule, said Arnie Leighton of the aircraft division at Ogden Air Logistics Center.

Ten F-16s a month are expected to undergo the modification at Hill in 2005.

ARLINGTON, VA. (AFPN) -- Pilot error, a poorly designed pilot-vehicle interface, and the lack of a published safety procedure were

found as causes for 27 ammunition rounds being accidentally expended during a training mission at the Warren Grove Range, N.J., Nov. 3 according to an accident report released Dec. 17. Some of the rounds struck a Little Egg Harbor Township, N.J school four miles south of the range. No one was injured in the incident.

Air National Guard officials said that as a result, specific changes in range procedures and aircraft software will be implemented to avoid any further incidents. Additionally, aircraft at the range will be restricted as to when they can arm weapons, and flight plans will be altered to point weapons toward unpopulated areas.

A town hall meeting was held in Little Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Dec. 17 to discuss the report with the public.

The F-16 was from the District of Columbia Air National Guard’s 113th Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Air Force officials announced investigation findings of a May 19 F-16 Fighting Falcon crash on the Tohono O'odham Nation in Arizona. The pilot, Singaporean air force 2nd Lt. Kwang Han Loo, was killed in the crash. He was assigned to the 425th Fighter Squadron, a foreign military training squadron, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

The investigation determined the crash was caused by either a G-induced loss of consciousness, spatial disorientation or a combination thereof, officials said.

During an intercept portion of the mission, the pilot began a maneuver from about 14,000 feet that resulted in the aircraft hitting the ground in a nearly vertical dive. The pilot did not attempt to eject, and the aircraft was destroyed. (Courtesy Air Education and Training Command News Service)

by Leigh Anne Bierstine
416th Flight Test Squadron

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- A test team from the Global Power Fighters Combined Test Force here moved a step closer to demonstrating the full combat capability of the newest variant of the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Maj. Bill Peris, a 416th Flight Test Squadron test pilot, fired the AIM-9X from an F-16 recently, successfully acquiring and scoring a kill against a Navy subscale drone. This was the third time the AIM-9X was fired from an F-16, marking the variant's first guided launch from the aircraft.

During the test mission, Major Peris was flying at medium altitude in an operationally representative engagement. A C-130 Hercules crew, taking off from Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, Calif., released the target drone over a test range at nearby China Lake Naval Air Weapons Center, Calif., where the test mission took place.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile carried by Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft. It provides increased launch capability using the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System that allows pilots to acquire and track targets well beyond their line of sight, and engage targets not possible with previous AIM-9 variants.

Major Peris found the drone and tracked it using the cueing system, which also is being tested here to integrate it with the AIM-9X.

The missile performed as anticipated and proved its combat effectiveness, he said.

"The addition of the AIM-9X to the F-16 arsenal creates a lethal combination that will make it more than a match for any adversary," Major Peris said. "The aircraft has always excelled in the visual arena, and with this weapon, it will be untouchable."

The third shot is part of a series of tests designed to clear the AIM-9X for operational use on the F-16. The AIM-9X missions are part of an F-16 software update test project to improve avionics system that will be used in upgrading about 600 F-16 aircraft.

by Marine Cpl. Thomas A. Sloan
Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- When an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot runs low on fuel, he has two choices: Radio in to the closest air base control tower for landing and refueling permission, or stay airborne and fill up from a gas station in the sky -- the KC-135 Stratotanker. You can imagine which gets him back into the fight faster.

More than 40 Airmen and their Stratotankers from the Air National Guard’s 108th Air Refueling Squadron at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., are here supporting Northern Edge ‘04, Alaska Command’s joint training exercise. More than 9,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from active-duty, Reserve and National Guard units are participating in this year’s exercise.

The Airmen from the 108th ARS provide refueling services to the various aircraft flying in the exercise. During a typical refueling mission, one of the tankers topped off six F-16 Fighting Falcons.

“We (distributed) roughly 72,000 pounds of jet fuel divided up (among) six aircraft,” said Chief Master Sgt. Sam Gerros, in-flight refueling manager for the 108th ARS. “It’s our mission to get the fuel up in the air to the pilots who need it. Doing so will save them from having to land.”

The refueling request came from an E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning Control System aircraft.

A Stratotanker holds as much as 185,000 pounds of fuel for refueling missions, Chief Gerros said. It holds the fuel in its wings, referred to as wet wings, and underneath its belly.

On this day, a little less than an hour after the plane took off, it was met by its six thirsty customers. One by one they took turns slowly lining up with the Stratotanker, hooking up with the fuel receptacle known as a boom and filling up.

The boom is deployed from the rear of the Stratotanker by a boom operator who guides it mechanically from the rear of the aircraft. While the pilot of the jet taking on fuel edges in close, the operator keeps the boom steady and inserts it into an opening located on top of the jet. All this takes place at the high speeds of flight.

Once the jet is refueled, the flight departs the area, ready to engage the enemy, and the tanker awaits the next call for gas.

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- A test team from the Global Power Fighters Combined Test Force fired the newest variant of the AIM-9 Sidewinder, the X variant, for the first time from an F-16 Fighting Falcon here April 9.

The Sidewinder is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile carried by fighter aircraft. Before this, the AIM-9X had been fired only from F-15 Eagles and U.S. Navy F-18 Hornets.

The test mission is part of the F-16 M4-plus test project currently going on here. The project tests an improved avionics system that will be used to upgrade about 600 active-duty F-16 aircraft.

This was the first firing in a series of tests designed to clear the new variant for use on the F-16, said Capt. Chad Hale, 416th Flight Test Squadron operations engineer for the project. The initial flights are designed to validate the effects predicted by its contracted developer.

The team's first two firings are unguided, and the flight profiles will build up to three guided firings against subscale drones, Captain Hale said.

In its first test, after clearing the aircraft, the missile was programmed to perform a high-G dive into the ground. Maj. Ray Toth, 416th FLTS test pilot, fired the new Sidewinder.

"The test went as planned, and there were no surprises," said Major Toth, who fired the missile over a test range at nearby China Lake Naval Air Weapons Center.

The team also evaluated how the new Sidewinder variant works with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System. It is compatible with the system, which is designed to acquire targets easier and decrease aircrew workload.

Results of the tests will have big payoffs for combat pilots, said Maj. Monte Cannon, a project pilot and 416th FLTS F-16 chase pilot for the mission.

"The AIM-9X test marks a tremendous increase in combat capability for the F-16," Major Cannon said. "Together, the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and the missile will provide a lethal combination for pilots who find themselves in visual engagements."

The latest variant has the same rocket motor and warhead as the AIM-9M, which is the most current operational variant of the missile. However, the AIM-9X has major changes from previous versions including increased flight performance.

The Sidewinder was originally developed by the Navy for fleet air defense and was later adapted by the Air Force for use on fighter aircraft. Early versions of the missile were used in the Vietnam War.

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- Maintainers here recently handed off to the Minnesota Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing the first F-16 Fighting Falcon to undergo a nearly $1 billion upgrade that promises to make the fleet operational beyond 2020.

The revamped F-16 was part of the Structural Augmentation Roadmap program, also known as Falcon STAR. Under the program, maintainers replace or repair known life-limited structures to avoid the onset of widespread fatigue damage. This is done to maintain flight safety, enhance aircraft availability and extend the life of affected components, said Maj. Mike Williams, Falcon STAR program manager.

Before Falcon STAR, some aircraft exhibited fatigue damage as early as 3,500 hours, he said. Once modified, the aircraft will meet its designed service life of 8,000 flight hours.

The major said the entire program involves modifying 13 different structural components, including wing fittings, and reworking skin areas. Falcon STAR modifications are applied to existing aircraft and added to all new F-16's to compensate for aircraft stress increased usage rates and heavier gross weights cause.

F-16 system program office experts at the Ogden Air Logistics Center here manage the Falcon STAR program. Major Williams said they have worked with Lockheed Martin to develop the necessary engineering and to procure installation kits for the first two years of the modification.

An added challenge for the Hill team was to make modifications that had never been done before, Major Williams said. The ALC's maintenance directorate completed the challenge although, in many cases, they had to integrate untested tools and materials into the repair process.

"Their support has been critical to the program's success," Major Williams said.

Major Williams said the F-16 hand-off was an important milestone for the entire F-16 community.

"With the modifications we (are making) under Falcon STAR, the F-16 will continue to serve a vital role in our nation's defense for many years to come," he said.

By program's end, more than 1,200 F-16s will have been modified including active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve aircraft.

Falcon STAR is a U.S. Air Force-managed structural modification program for the F-16 that addresses service-life deficiencies for the Air Force. The roughly $1 billion program is the result of more than four years of design and planning and ensures the F-16's original service life while allowing for an operational capability beyond the year 2020. (Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)

by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Ripps
149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- The 149th Fighter Wing received something Jan. 14 that will literally put its current class of F-16 fighter pilots right on target with their training.

The unit will be the first in the Air Force to graduate pilots from the F-16 Fighting Falcon basic course with targeting-pod training.

The enhanced training missions result from the wing receiving 10 Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night targeting pods. The pods attach to fighter aircraft and provide an infrared target display for the pilot to engage.

Besides an infrared sensor, each pod contains a laser designator-rangefinder for precise delivery of laser-guided munitions and software for automatic target tracking.

The 149th FW has been training Air Force pilots since the unit transferred to Air Education and Training Command in 1999. During their time with the unit, student pilots learn how to fly and fight with the F-16. Until now, however, they had to go to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., for targeting-pod training.

"When they finish training with the wing, they'll be ready for almost anything," said Maj. Greg Whiting, one of the wing's instructor pilots.

The targeting pods are the sensors that provide air attack footage commonly seen on the news, Major Whiting said.

"The video shows cross hairs on a target -- bunkers, buildings, etc.," he said. "The ensuing explosion is the detonation of the munitions that followed that laser spot onto that target."

The class of nine student pilots who began training with the wing Aug. 18 is scheduled to begin training with the targeting pods in February following their training to drop ordnance the conventional way.

Major Whiting said the Air Force now regularly deploys with both the targeting pods and night-vision goggles.

"Precision-guided bombs are the way the Air Force has gone and will continue to fight," Major Whiting said.

The wing's quest to provide the targeting-pod training began about four years ago. The unit borrowed some targeting pods from Air National Guard units in Albuquerque, N.M., and Tulsa, Okla.

A handful of 149th FW pilots already knew how to use the pods from their stints on active duty. They taught some of the instructor pilots how to use them, and they, in turn, taught the rest. After the IPs learned how to teach using the targeting pods, they developed a new syllabus for the basic course to include the targeting-pod training. The unit then obtained approval for the revised syllabus from AETC officials.

The wing had prior experience reworking a syllabus when it introduced night-vision goggle training into the basic course in 2001.

"NVGs taught us how to use the syllabus and to work with AETC to change it," said Col. Joe Lengyel, wing vice commander. "We already had the process down."

The syllabus change adds only two days to the training schedule. However, handling the pods required the unit to obtain certain licenses and permits, and maintainers had to learn new procedures and undergo special training.

Student pilots said they are looking forward to the training.

"We all feel lucky to be here," said 1st Lt. Greg Jenkins, a student pilot from Montana last assigned to Sheppard AFB, Texas. "The instructor pilots have a huge amount of experience, the facilities are incredible and the aircraft is really good."

Nineteen full-time and nine traditional Guard instructor pilots from the 149th FW teach the basic course with the help of two instructors attached from 19th Air Force and six civilian contractors who teach most of the course academics. (Courtesy of AETC News Service)

by Maj. James Law
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) -- Poor situational awareness was the likely cause of an F-16 Fighting Falcon crash in South Korea on Sept. 9, a U.S. Air Force investigation team determined.

Capt. Kevin Dydyk, of the 35th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, sustained minor injuries when the aircraft he was flying crashed into the Yellow Sea about 56 miles southwest of the base.

Neither Captain Dydyk nor Capt. Tood Houchins, an instructor pilot flying another F-16, gained enough situational awareness of a low-altitude condition early enough to prevent the crash, according to the investigation report.

Captain Dydyk was flying lead in a two-ship training formation over the Yellow Sea when the mishap occurred. On the final mission of the day he unknowingly set-up and began the engagement 800 feet above the briefed "floor" altitude limit of 5,000 feet

Immediately after Captain Houchins made the "fight's on" call, Captain Dydyk began a series of maneuvers resulting in the aircraft descending below the altitude limit. When he realized his altitude he immediately called "terminate" and began recovering. Three seconds later he ejected and the aircraft hit the water one second later.

Search-and-rescue personnel rescued Captain Dydyk after about 90 minutes.

Investigators determined Captain Dydyk failed to crosscheck his aircraft's altitude during the mission engagement and did not know his altitude or proximity to the water until he reached about 1,500 feet above the sea.

Investigators also determined Captain Houchins failed to recognize the non-standard set-up before the start of the mission. Captain Houchins was not aware of either aircraft's proximity to the floor or the water until the mishap aircraft hit the water, at which time he recovered his own F-16 aircraft 450 feet above the water. (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces News Service)

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- Failure of a turbine blade caused an F-16C Fighting Falcon to crash in an unpopulated area near Rosepine, La., on Sept. 22, according to a report Air Force officials released Jan. 6.

The pilot ejected in a sparsely wooded area about 12 nautical miles southwest of Fort Polk Army Airfield.

The aircraft was part of a six-ship, unopposed surface-attack training mission, and was assigned to the 147th Fighter Wing at Ellington Field in Houston.

The engine turbine blade failed because of fatigue, although there were no external signs of excess fatigue during routine inspections, according to the Aircraft Investigation Board report.

The pilot received minor abrasions from his parachute harness during the ejection. An Army helicopter took the pilot to a medical facility where he was treated and released. There was no damage to property or injuries to people on the ground.

The value of aircraft and equipment lost totaled about $23.3 million. (Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service

áøèááøOgden center delivers first Falcon STAR F-16

2/10/2004 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- Maintainers here recently handed off to the Minnesota Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing the first F-16 Fighting Falcon to undergo a nearly $1 billion upgrade that promises to make the fleet operational beyond 2020.

The revamped F-16 was part of the Structural Augmentation Roadmap program, also known as Falcon STAR. Under the program, maintainers replace or repair known life-limited structures to avoid the onset of widespread fatigue damage. This is done to maintain flight safety, enhance aircraft availability and extend the life of affected components, said Maj. Mike Williams, Falcon STAR program manager.

Before Falcon STAR, some aircraft exhibited fatigue damage as early as 3,500 hours, he said. Once modified, the aircraft will meet its designed service life of 8,000 flight hours.

The major said the entire program involves modifying 13 different structural components, including wing fittings, and reworking skin areas. Falcon STAR modifications are applied to existing aircraft and added to all new F-16's to compensate for aircraft stress increased usage rates and heavier gross weights cause.

F-16 system program office experts at the Ogden Air Logistics Center here manage the Falcon STAR program. Major Williams said they have worked with Lockheed Martin to develop the necessary engineering and to procure installation kits for the first two years of the modification.

An added challenge for the Hill team was to make modifications that had never been done before, Major Williams said. The ALC's maintenance directorate completed the challenge although, in many cases, they had to integrate untested tools and materials into the repair process.

"Their support has been critical to the program's success," Major Williams said.

Major Williams said the F-16 hand-off was an important milestone for the entire F-16 community.

"With the modifications we (are making) under Falcon STAR, the F-16 will continue to serve a vital role in our nation's defense for many years to come," he said.

By program's end, more than 1,200 F-16s will have been modified including active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve aircraft.

Falcon STAR is a U.S. Air Force-managed structural modification program for the F-16 that addresses service-life deficiencies for the Air Force. The roughly $1 billion program is the result of more than four years of design and planning and ensures the F-16's original service life while allowing for an operational capability beyond the year 2020. (Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)

by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Ripps
149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- The 149th Fighter Wing received something Jan. 14 that will literally put its current class of F-16 fighter pilots right on target with their training.

The unit will be the first in the Air Force to graduate pilots from the F-16 Fighting Falcon basic course with targeting-pod training.

The enhanced training missions result from the wing receiving 10 Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night targeting pods. The pods attach to fighter aircraft and provide an infrared target display for the pilot to engage.

Besides an infrared sensor, each pod contains a laser designator-rangefinder for precise delivery of laser-guided munitions and software for automatic target tracking.

The 149th FW has been training Air Force pilots since the unit transferred to Air Education and Training Command in 1999. During their time with the unit, student pilots learn how to fly and fight with the F-16. Until now, however, they had to go to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., for targeting-pod training.

"When they finish training with the wing, they'll be ready for almost anything," said Maj. Greg Whiting, one of the wing's instructor pilots.

The targeting pods are the sensors that provide air attack footage commonly seen on the news, Major Whiting said.

"The video shows cross hairs on a target -- bunkers, buildings, etc.," he said. "The ensuing explosion is the detonation of the munitions that followed that laser spot onto that target."

The class of nine student pilots who began training with the wing Aug. 18 is scheduled to begin training with the targeting pods in February following their training to drop ordnance the conventional way.

Major Whiting said the Air Force now regularly deploys with both the targeting pods and night-vision goggles.

"Precision-guided bombs are the way the Air Force has gone and will continue to fight," Major Whiting said.

The wing's quest to provide the targeting-pod training began about four years ago. The unit borrowed some targeting pods from Air National Guard units in Albuquerque, N.M., and Tulsa, Okla.

A handful of 149th FW pilots already knew how to use the pods from their stints on active duty. They taught some of the instructor pilots how to use them, and they, in turn, taught the rest. After the IPs learned how to teach using the targeting pods, they developed a new syllabus for the basic course to include the targeting-pod training. The unit then obtained approval for the revised syllabus from AETC officials.

The wing had prior experience reworking a syllabus when it introduced night-vision goggle training into the basic course in 2001.

"NVGs taught us how to use the syllabus and to work with AETC to change it," said Col. Joe Lengyel, wing vice commander. "We already had the process down."

The syllabus change adds only two days to the training schedule. However, handling the pods required the unit to obtain certain licenses and permits, and maintainers had to learn new procedures and undergo special training.

Student pilots said they are looking forward to the training.

"We all feel lucky to be here," said 1st Lt. Greg Jenkins, a student pilot from Montana last assigned to Sheppard AFB, Texas. "The instructor pilots have a huge amount of experience, the facilities are incredible and the aircraft is really good."

Nineteen full-time and nine traditional Guard instructor pilots from the 149th FW teach the basic course with the help of two instructors attached from 19th Air Force and six civilian contractors who teach most of the course academics. (Courtesy of AETC News Service)

by Maj. James Law
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) -- Poor situational awareness was the likely cause of an F-16 Fighting Falcon crash in South Korea on Sept. 9, a U.S. Air Force investigation team determined.

Capt. Kevin Dydyk, of the 35th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, sustained minor injuries when the aircraft he was flying crashed into the Yellow Sea about 56 miles southwest of the base.

Neither Captain Dydyk nor Capt. Tood Houchins, an instructor pilot flying another F-16, gained enough situational awareness of a low-altitude condition early enough to prevent the crash, according to the investigation report.

Captain Dydyk was flying lead in a two-ship training formation over the Yellow Sea when the mishap occurred. On the final mission of the day he unknowingly set-up and began the engagement 800 feet above the briefed "floor" altitude limit of 5,000 feet

Immediately after Captain Houchins made the "fight's on" call, Captain Dydyk began a series of maneuvers resulting in the aircraft descending below the altitude limit. When he realized his altitude he immediately called "terminate" and began recovering. Three seconds later he ejected and the aircraft hit the water one second later.

Search-and-rescue personnel rescued Captain Dydyk after about 90 minutes.

Investigators determined Captain Dydyk failed to crosscheck his aircraft's altitude during the mission engagement and did not know his altitude or proximity to the water until he reached about 1,500 feet above the sea.

Investigators also determined Captain Houchins failed to recognize the non-standard set-up before the start of the mission. Captain Houchins was not aware of either aircraft's proximity to the floor or the water until the mishap aircraft hit the water, at which time he recovered his own F-16 aircraft 450 feet above the water. (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces News Service)

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- Failure of a turbine blade caused an F-16C Fighting Falcon to crash in an unpopulated area near Rosepine, La., on Sept. 22, according to a report Air Force officials released Jan. 6.

The pilot ejected in a sparsely wooded area about 12 nautical miles southwest of Fort Polk Army Airfield.

The aircraft was part of a six-ship, unopposed surface-attack training mission, and was assigned to the 147th Fighter Wing at Ellington Field in Houston.

The engine turbine blade failed because of fatigue, although there were no external signs of excess fatigue during routine inspections, according to the Aircraft Investigation Board report.

The pilot received minor abrasions from his parachute harness during the ejection. An Army helicopter took the pilot to a medical facility where he was treated and released. There was no damage to property or injuries to people on the ground.

The value of aircraft and equipment lost totaled about $23.3 million. (Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service