The first two F-15Cs of the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla., have departed for their new home in New Orleans with the Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing, which is picking up some newer model Eagles from the active force. The 33rd FW at Eglin is getting ready to take on its new role, serving as the international training center for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Along with that new mission, the unit will move from Air Combat Command to Air Education and Training Command. Col. Todd Harmer, commander of the 33rd FW, said, “The 33rd Fighter Wing has played an integral part providing air dominance for America and that role will continue as we transition to the F-35.” (Includes Eglin report by SSgt. Bryan Franks)
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
