Eagle CountryOne of the coolest Eagle formation photos taken IMHO is from Tech Sgt Bob Simons, Air to air side view of, a formation of five F-15 Eagles assigned to and lead by the flag ship of the 405th Tactical Training Wing (TTW). Front to rear the aircraft are assigned to 555th TFTS, , 550th TFTS, 461st TFTS, 426th TFTS, and 405th TTW, Luke AFB, Arizona. Exact Date Shot Unknown
47 years ago today, the 555th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron recieved the first operational F-15A (74-0111), together with the first B, TF-15A (later F-15B) 73-0108 “TAC 1 from McDonnell Douglas at Luke AFB. The acceptance ceremony was presided over by President Gerald R. Ford
Did you know that the French Air Force almost flew F-15s? For four days in April 1976, the second TF-15A (71-0291) was painted in French air force mark ings for demonstration flights. Unfortunately, the French decided against purchasing the “Eagle”, leaving this as the only “French” F-15.
Photos by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton
photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob Wood
Welcome home! The 494th Fighter Squadron “Mighty Black Panthers” returned back to RAF Lakenheath, Oct. 26, 2021. Deployed as the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron for 8 monhts in support of Operation Inherent Resolve at the 332nd Expeditionary Wing, the Panthers generated over 1900 sorties and over 8400 hours of combat operations while in theater.
