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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.

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F-15E aircraft arrive in Greece for INIOCHOS 22

U.S. Air Force Airmen and F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, England, arrived at Andravida Air Base, Greece, to support INIOCHOS 22. The exercise is a Hellenic air force-sponsored operational and tactical level field training exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Tactics Center at Greece’s fighter weapons school, located at Andravida Air Base, Greece, from March 27 to April 7, 2022.

The exercise aims to enhance combat readiness and fighting capability, while providing participants the opportunity to develop capabilities planning and conduct complex air operations in a multinational, joint force environment.

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494 FS Panthers return Home

 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.

F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron fly in formation prior to landing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 26, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob Wood)
An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron returns from a deployment at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 26, 2021. The 494th FS was deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia for eight-months in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob Wood)