Tag: 493 FS

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Eagle Country

MISSION READY

INSIDE THE BEST FIGHTER SQUADRON OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE

If you are looking for a thrilling Christmas gift, what better that one of the best F-15 Eagle related books

Mission Ready is a visual narrative about a world that’s not accessible to most of us. Until now. Documentary photographer and creative director Patrick van Dam gives us a realistic and uncensored insight into the “Best Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Air Force”. Through compelling images, he offers an insider perspective of the legendary 493rd Fighter Squadron’s daily operations. This is not Top Gun. This is better. This is real.

From 2016 to 2021, Van Dam was granted access to several restricted military airbases and experienced first-hand what it takes to be a fighter pilot during a training mission in an F-15 Eagle. His contemporary photography is never shy of demystifying a sometimes romanticized world, yet always with an aesthetic point of view.

The photographs are complemented by stories from prominent “Grim Reapers” like Gulf War veteran and three-time “MiG Killer” Col. (Ret.) Cesar “Rico” Rodriguez. The result is a gripping book about an organization with unspoken rules and principles that takes pride in its honor and bravery.

The 493rd Fighter Squadron, also known as the “Grim Reapers”, is a combat mission-ready squadron and provides air-to-air offensive and defensive support for the United States and NATO operations. It is part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), located at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. The 493rd was the last squadron in Europe flying the F-15 Eagle. Since 1994, they have conducted air superiority missions in the Balkans, Middle East, and Baltics. Since 1994, the 493rd has been awarded the coveted Raytheon Trophy for being the top Air Superiority Squadron of the U.S. Air Force, no less than six times. A unique and unconquered achievement.

In 2022, the squadron transitioned to the new 5th-generation F-35A Lightning II, marking the end of an era for the presence of the F-15 Eagle in Europe.

What are you waiting for, get this unique book and click on “MISSION READY “ to order your copy now! Enjoy

Categories
Eagle Country

MISSION READY
INSIDE THE BEST FIGHTER SQUADRON OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE

written by Patrick “Red” van Dam

Mission Ready is a visual narrative about a world that’s not accessible to most of us. Until now. Documentary photographer and creative director Patrick van Dam gives us a realistic and uncensored insight into the “Best Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Air Force”. Through compelling images, he offers an insider perspective of the legendary 493rd Fighter Squadron’s daily operations. This is not Top Gun. This is better. This is real.

From 2016 to 2021, Van Dam was granted access to several restricted military airbases and experienced first-hand what it takes to be a fighter pilot during a training mission in an F-15 Eagle. His contemporary photography is never shy of demystifying a sometimes romanticized world, yet always with an aesthetic point of view.

Continue reading “MISSION READY
INSIDE THE BEST FIGHTER SQUADRON OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE”
Categories
Eagle Country

The 493rd Fighter Squadron Completes It’s Last NATO Mission With F-15’s

photo by Tech. Sgt. Jacob Albers

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 493rd Fighter Squadron assigned to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England tests an air break deployment in preparation to depart Poland after completing a NATO enhanced Air Policing mission at Łask Air Basel Poland, Feb. 28, 2022. The 493rd FS executed NATO EAP for several weeks before being relieved by the 336th Fighter Squadron assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jacob Albers)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Garret Womack, an F-15 C Eagle pilot assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, performs pre-flight checks before departing Łask Air Base, Poland, Feb. 28, 2022. The 493rd FS was deployed to Łask Air Base for several weeks in support of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jacob Albers)
A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from the 493rd Fighter Squadron assigned to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, takes off after completing a NATO enhanced Air Policing mission at Łask Air Base, Poland, Feb. 28, 2022. The 493rd FS executed NATO EAP for several weeks before being relieved by the 336th Fighter Squadron assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jacob Albers)
Continue reading “The 493rd Fighter Squadron Completes It’s Last NATO Mission With F-15’s”
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Eagle Country

493rd Fighter Squadron deploys to Lask AB, Poland

Reuters

WARSAW, Feb 10 (Reuters) – American F-15 jets landed at a Polish air base on Thursday, Warsaw’s defence minister said, as NATO beefs up the military presence on its eastern flank amid tensions over a standoff between Ukraine and Russia.

The jets arrived as further U.S. and British troops were deployed in Poland, with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also visiting the country in a show of solidarity.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

“Today, American F15 fighters have arrived at the air base in Lask, they will support the eastern flank as part of the NATO Air Policing mission,” Mariusz Blaszczak wrote on Twitter.

(U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

The defence minister did not say how many F-15s landed at the base. American F-15 jets have also been sent to the Baltics.

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Thursday that London may send further troops to help support its allies in eastern Europe if required, after announcing the deployment of 350 troops to Poland on Monday.

U. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)
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Eagle Country

493rd Fighter Squadron Heritage Jet

The new 493rd Fighter Squadron Heritage Jet. In honor of the legacy of Aerial Dominance . Boasting an undefeated 45 years in the European Theatre. “Trust us, you’re dead”