The Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill AFB, Utah, has turned over to the Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, the first refurbished F-16. The center will apply Block 52 upgrades to another 10 jets for the elite demo team, reports Capt. Genieve David. The Block 52 modifications include the Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program, replacing known service life-limiting structures to maintain flight safety parameters. The Air Force has been applying Falcon STAR mods to operational F-16s, as the fighters are showing higher than anticipated wear.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.
