Posted on 07/31/2010 10:59:23 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar
Holloman Air Force Base, which is losing its stealth fighters, will get two new squadrons of F-16 jet fighters, the Pentagon announced Thursday.
Officials said Holloman will become a training base for the F-16 aircraft, which is expected to be in use for at least another 20 years.
"We look forward to welcoming the incoming squadrons of F-16s to Holloman," said Air Force Col. David Krumm, the 49th Wing commander. "Holloman has outstanding facilities, airspace and people for this new training mission."
Holloman is home to two squadrons of F-22s, which will move to Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, and other F-22 Air Force bases. They will be replaced with F-16s, which will train with the MQ-1 and MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles.
A squadron typically has about 20 aircraft, officials said. The base, which is next to Alamogordo, has not been told when the transition will take place.
The move also provides an opportunity for combined training with the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Formal Training Units at Holloman.
Officials said the units will continue to provide highly trained pilots and sensor operators in the 29th Attack Squadron, 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, 16th Training Squadron and the expected addition of the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron from Creech Air Force Base, Nevada.
"F-16s are the workhorse of the U.S. Air Force," said U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M. "This training mission, combined with the cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles located at the base, ensures that Holloman will remain one of the Air Force's key bases for years to come. That is not only good for our national security, it's good news for the economy of our state." New Mexico federal lawmakers said that Thursday's announcement came after months of study by the Pentagon about where to move the F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters.
Lawmakers worked to ensure that regardless of Holloman's mission change, the transition would take place quickly and smoothly to prevent a negative economic impact.
"Holloman is an integral part of the Alamogordo community and economy," said U.S. Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M. "In addition to the unmanned aerial vehicle program currently housed at Holloman, this new training mission guarantees that Holloman will remain a critical component of our national security."
The F-16 single-engine jet fighter has been around since 1974. It is used by more than 20 countries, and depending on the year and model, the price for one ranges from $14.6 million to $26.9 million.
It is also known as the "Fighting Falcon" and "Viper," and is used by the Air Force Thunderbirds in their demonstrations.
"The Air Force has decided to capitalize on the valuable airspace and facilities at Holloman by awarding the community a valuable F-16 training mission," said U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M. "Because this aircraft is a key staple in our military, it will be utilized in operations until at least 2030."
Everything there had a stinger in it's tail or it's mouth or both.
If Minot had F-15s, I would have put in for a transfer.
Other than that, it was a lovely place. Wonderful scenery, White Sands not far away, Cloudcroft and the apple harvest.
Is the Luftwaffe still there?
/johnny
Post #2, caption: F-22 in formation with some F-15’s, which are to be replaced by the F-22. Tyndall Air Force Base (Florida Panhandle)
I wish God had assembled me a little different (badly nearsighted, and, sadly and more importantly, acrophobic) to fly what I consider to be the best MRF we will see in multiple generations, the F-16 Falcon. They have done a great job of keeping her up to date and active. :)
But the F(/A)-18 (Super) Hornets are doggone nice as well.
Sorry, I forgot the caption. See post #4.
The F-15 always looks beautiful, like a swan. But the F-16 looks like it was built for business:
It is like the hot chick in the "geek" commercial -- ready to get the job done, but lovely to the eye.
Thanks, Daaaaaaaave.
I should have known what is what, given my affinity for Milcraft.
Sometimes I feel so so dumb. There are very few Milcraft with dual tails (now that the F-14 has been retired and, of course VGMT is no longer in vogue) and the F/A-18 has a very distinctive profile.
Oh well, like a beautiful woman, it is always OK to enjoy the form... :)
>>And it is after 3am. So excuse my forgetfulness also.<<
Here too — my wife (in Los Angeles) is getting ready to join me here in VA so she keeps calling me. Thank God it is Saturday/Sunday: I can sleep in a bit. She’ll be here 5:30 PM so, after she takes off I can get some sleep :)
I can’t see anything;-)
my godfather was the commander of the base for a while... flew 16s and 117s. he passed away in 1998.
i fairly certain he’d be a bit miffed the base is losing current gen fighters and receiving 20+ year old replacements.
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