Air Force Archives - Page 39 of 2536

U.S. Marines and RAAF achieve F-35 pilot interchangeability

Posted on July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 by alert5

In June 2024, during a joint training exercise at RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, two United States Marine Corps (USMC) F-35B pilots from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214 successfully flew Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A aircraft. This accomplishment signifies a significant step towards interchangeable operations between the two forces.

From left, Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Stuart Atkin, an F-35A Lightning II pilot with the RAAF No. 75 Squadron; RAAF Squadron Leader Brett Gordon, an F-35A Lightning II pilot with the RAAF No. 75 Squadron; U.S. Marine Corps Maj. John Rose, an F-35B Lightning II pilot and executive officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; and RAAF Flight Lieutenant Nicholas Ebzery, an F-35A Lightning II pilot with the RAAF No. 75 Squadron, pose for a picture after a flight at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, June 13, 2024. Leaders with VMFA-214, a USMC F-35B squadron, flew the RAAF F-35A during bilateral training, exhibiting interchangeability between RAAF and U.S. Marine aviation. VMFA-214 deployed more than 200 Marines and eight F-35B Lightning II aircraft from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, to RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct bilateral training with the RAAF No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicholas Johnson)

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US offers F-16 loan to Thailand, high interest raises concerns

Posted on July 5, 2024 by alert5

The Biden administration has proposed a loan to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTA) to facilitate the purchase of a complete fleet of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. This offer aims to modernize the RTA’s aging fleet and potentially streamline the acquisition process by allowing for a larger upfront purchase instead of buying four to five planes at a time.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon prepares to depart after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker over Southwest Asia, Feb. 3, 2021. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Harrison) (This image has been altered for security reasons)

U.S. Air Force in Japan get major fighter upgrades

Posted on July 4, 2024July 4, 2024 by alert5

The U.S. Air Force presence at Kadena Air Base, Japan will undergo a transformation. The current fleet of F-15C/D aircraft being rotated out will be permanently replaced with a smaller contingent of the latest Boeing F-15EX variant.

An F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, takes flight for the first time out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 26, 2021, prior to departure for Northern Edge 2021. The F-15EX brings next-generation combat technology to a highly successful fighter airframe that is capable of projecting power across multiple domains for the Joint Force. (U.S Air Force photo by 1st Lt Savanah Bray)

The Red Muffler: More than just a fashion statement for South Korean Air Force pilots

Posted on July 3, 2024 by alert5

This YouTube video dives into the fascinating story behind the red muffler, a symbol synonymous with South Korean Air Force pilots. While the image might conjure pilots soaring through the skies with a red scarf flowing behind them, the reality is a bit more nuanced.

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8th Fighter Squadron honors stealthy past with F-16 “Black Sheep” flagship

Posted on July 3, 2024July 3, 2024 by alert5

The 8th Fighter Squadron (FS) at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, recently unveiled a striking new addition to their fleet – an F-16 Viper flagship painted in a sleek matte black color scheme, reminiscent of the legendary F-117 Nighthawk. This unique paint job serves as a powerful tribute to the squadron’s history and the groundbreaking capabilities of the retired stealth aircraft.

An F-16 Viper assigned to the 8th Fighter Squadrons flies over Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 6, 2024. The squadron’s new flagship honors the F-117 Nighthawk, which was flown by the 8th FS for over 25 years. (Courtesy photo)

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