Photo By Staff Sgt. Timothy Young | An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot conducts pre-flight checks at Holloman Air Force Base,...... read more read more
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The 8th FS was deactivated here May 13, 2011, but was reactivated six years later Aug. 4, 2017.
Since its reactivation, members of the 8th FS have worked diligently to bring the squadron up to speed with maintaining and piloting F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
This week’s flights were just two of many steps toward the squadron’s overall mission to train future fighter pilots.
"I am honored to lead the Black Sheep,” said Lt. Col. Mark Sletten, 8th FS commander. “They are truly the finest men and women America has to offer. This week, we have the high honor of adding to the history books of one of the most storied fighter squadrons the Air Force has ever produced.
While these first flights are historical, there is much work yet to be done in accomplishing our mission of building the future of airpower. The Black Sheep could not be prouder of being part of such an important mission. The 8th FS, also known as the Black Sheep, is expected to be home to approximately 45 F-16s, 60 Airmen and 600 contract maintainers.
Many of the 265 currently assigned contract maintainers in the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Unit are prior service experience, though much of that experience is somewhat dated.
“Most of the maintainers haven’t stepped on the flightline since we got out years ago,” said Leamon Combs, 8th AMU F-16 crew chief. “It’s nice to be back out here again. You don’t realize how bad you will miss it till you leave.”
As the Black Sheep continue to log new milestones, they will follow in the footsteps of the other fighter squadrons here at Holloman as they continue to develop Airmen, create new F-16 pilots, and requalify former F-16 pilots as part of an overall production effort to alleviate the shortage of fighter pilots in today's Air Force.
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.05.2017 17:52 |
| Story ID: | 257570 |
| Location: | ALAMOGORDO, NM, US |
| Web Views: | 300 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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