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

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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ROKAF McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II retirement ceremony

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) held a meticulously planned ceremony on Friday, Jun. 7th, at Suwon Air Base to bid farewell to its legendary F-4 Phantom fighter jets after an impressive 55-year service record. Nicknamed “Dokkaebi” (Korean goblin) for their versatility, the Phantoms were revered as guardians of South Korean skies.

Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-4E Phantom
Alert5, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Palm Springs Air Museum restores Boeing Skyfox prototype for public display

The Palm Springs Air Museum (PSAM) has unveiled its latest restoration project – the unique Boeing Skyfox jet trainer prototype. Acquired by the museum in 2021, the Skyfox has undergone a comprehensive restoration and is now on display for the public.

Boeing Skyfox
Warbirds Online, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
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Dick Rutan, pioneering aviator and Voyager pilot, dies at 85

Dick Rutan, a decorated Vietnam War pilot who co-piloted the history-making Voyager aircraft on the first non-stop, refuel-free circumnavigation of the globe, passed away on May 3 at the age of 85.

DickRutan.jpeg
By Government of the United States – <a rel=”nofollow” class=”external free” href=”http://www.hill.af.mil/museum/history/rutan.htm”>http://www.hill.af.mil/museum/history/rutan.htm</a>], Public Domain, Link

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