HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. - Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., is known for its unique airspace which has offered many advantages to testing new capabilities and training for future missions. That same uniqueness is one of the reasons that 18 F-16s from the 309th Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., are deployed here for training.
The 18 F-16s, along with 190 personnel, will be deployed here for training from Dec. 7 to 14.
“The F-16 makes up the largest fighter fleet in the Air Force, and our training will help sustain fighter pilot production for the foreseeable future,” said Col. Rodney Petithomme, 56th FW Operation Location-Alpha commander.
While at Holloman AFB, the F-16s will fly 24 sorties per day. The deployed aircraft and the personnel attached will be using Holloman AFB airspace resources and facilities to test Holloman’s ability to meet the needs of a formal training unit which is scheduled to move to Holloman AFB.
“The F-16 formal training unit transfer to Holloman is a very complicated but also critical project,” said Major Brian Macfarlane 56th FW Operation Location-Alpha. “This deployment will test airspace, training ranges, Holloman infrastructure, and the ability to support robust F-16 operations.”