The 65th Aggressor Squadron pilot who died in the July 30 crash of an F-15D at Nellis AFB, Nev., was Lt. Col. Thomas Bouley, the commander of the squadron. The other pilot on the two-seat fighter was an Royal Air Force exchange officer is in stable condition, but his name is being withheld, said Col. Russ Handy, 57th Wing commander, during a July 31 press conference. He noted that the RAF pilot, who he said is working with the accident investigation board, has “extensive Royal Air Force Tornado F-3 experience and is now fully qualified in the F-16.” Handy added that he had just begun his tour with the 65th AGRS. Of Bouley, Handy said, “he was a decorated warrior, an inspiring leader of airmen, and a loving father and husband. He served his country with distinction and will be greatly missed.” Bouley had served for 20 years and amassed 4,500 flying hours in the F-15, RAF F-3, and T-38. The accident took place during a Red Flag training exercise, which was continuing without the participation of the 65th AGRS and the 64th AGRS. According to a July 31 Nellis release, the 64th would resume operations Friday (Aug. 1) and the 65th on Aug. 4. (Nellis report by A1C Ryan Whitney)
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.