Eagle Country

Kadena Eagles on the move

Post author By Jan-Peter
Post date December 10, 2021
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An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron taxis to the runway at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2021. The 18th Wing fighter squadrons conduct routine training to ensure U.S. and allied forces are able to deter potential adversaries and defend the freedom of the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Monte)

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron is parked on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2021. Kadena’s fighter squadrons conduct routine training in order to enhance combat readiness and increase the tactical proficiency needed to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Monte)

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron taxis down the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2021. Kadena’s fighter squadrons conduct routine training in order to enhance combat readiness and increase the tactical proficiency needed to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Monte)

USAF retires the last F-15A Eagle

Post author By Jan-Peter
Post date December 10, 2021
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In September 2009 the USAF retired the Final ‘F-15A model’ it was 77-098 flying with the 123rd Fighter Squadron #Redhawks.
Here is the full story written by Staff Sgt. John Hughel

PORTLAND, Ore. – On a clear late September day, Lt. Col. Steve Beauchamp strides from the flight operations’ building toward one of many F-15’s parked on the Portland Air National Guard Base ramp. Master Sgt. Mark Billmyer greets Beauchamp with a handshake and conversation as he arrives for his mid-morning flight; both make their way toward a waiting “Redhawk” jet where Tech. Sgt. Andrew Shown has already begun to prep the aircraft. As typical as any daily mission flown by one of the officers from the 142nd Fighter Wing can be, on this day one element of the routine is unusual. The journey that Beauchamp will be flying is a one way trip, as aircraft 77-098 will retire when they reach Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., later in the afternoon. What is also unique about this flight is that aircraft, tail number 77-098 is the last F-15A/B models in the active United States Air Force inventory.
“I thought I was going to ride off into retirement when the last of these ‘A models’ would be retiring,” said Beauchamp.

The tail flashing of 77-098, an F-15A Eagle that belongs to the 142nd Fighter Wing on Sept. 16 at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore.

Eagle Country

F-15 Eagle formation

One 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

Eagle Country

First Operational F-15 Eagles

Post author By Jan-Peter
Post date November 14, 2021

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

Eagle Country

French F-15 Eagle

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.