During the 80s and 90s, the F-14 Tomcat was the backbone of the US Navy. The F-14s seen combat action in Vietnam, both Gulf wars, missions against Libya and even in the Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. The Tomcats were divided amongst 31 fighting squadrons, most of the time carrier-based, and several test- and training units. These squadrons included the famous Wolfpack, Sundowners and Jolly Rogers.
422nd Test and Evaluation squadron has a unique task. Before any hardware (aircraft) or software is accepted in the US Air Force, it’s operationally tested by the 422nd TES. Known as the “Green Bats” the squadron operate out of Las Vegas, Nellis Air Force Base. The Bats fly the latest and greatest, like the F-22 and F-35.
Of course not all F-16 squadrons fly with the ANG. Some squadrons are based abroad, like the 510 and 555FS in Italy.
AviaMagazine.com looks into the history and present state of the "Buzzards" squadron (510FS) located at Aviano Air Base, Italy.
Unlike most ANG units, the 114th Oregon ANG moved from F-16 to operate the F-15 Eagle.
AviaMagazine.com looks into the history and present state of the ANG F-15 Eagle fighter school located at Kingsley Field, OR.
Like most ANG units, the 112th Ohio ANG also operates the F-16. The history of the 112th started just after the WW I, flying numerous aircraft types, including Consolidated PT-1 F-51s, F-84s, F-100s and A-7s.
AviaMagazine.com looks into the history and present state of the "Stingers" squadron located at Toledo Express Airport, Ohio.
Like most ANG units, the 111th Texas ANG also uses the F-16C block 25. The history of the 111th goes way back, flying numerous aircraft types, including P-51s, F-102s, F-101s and F-4s. This is also the squadron where president George W. Bush served.
AviaMagazine.com looks into the history and present state of the "Ace in the Hole" squadron located at Ellington ANGB, Texas.
Most of the US ANG units nowadays operate the F-16, amongst which the Michigan ANG is no exception.
AviaMagazine.com looks into the 107th fighter squadron (Red Devils) located at Selfridge ANGB, Michigan.