Alaskan Aggressor F-16s, Oregon F-15s headed Down Under

[Scott K]

What time were they flying?

[Chris Primmer]

Hey Scott,
Up at 10am for around 1 to 1.5 hrs,
Combined as 1 hornet 1 falcon,
Some were 2 falcons
They also go up in the Arvo but not sure of times

ChrisP

[Bob C]

Hi Stephen

The split identity scheme is being adopted across the Hawk fleet because so many aircraft are swapped between Squadrons and repainting into the new Squadron's colours was not a high priority. So we will be seeing the 76 Sqn tail band on one side and 79 Sqn on the other as the aircraft are repainted.

It was not uncommon to see aircraft wearing 79 Sqn colours at Williamtown and vice versa, and all sorts of combinations in between, which made for a real dog's breakfast in my opinion. For instance at the airshow at RAAF Pearce last May, only one of the 14 Hawks wore the full No 79 Sqn scheme.

And the ultimate irony was that the CO of No 79 Sqn and his three young sons were photographed proudly in front of a Hawk - albeit in No 76 Sqn colours !!

[Stephen Brown]

Thanks Bob,

The other Irony is, you always see at least one or two 75 squadron hornets at Willy during a normal days ops.

[Bob C]

Hi Stephen

Yes, and has been happening for years and for the same reason - Hornet airframes are frequently switched between squadrons and once again, repainting into the new Squadron's colours is not a priority.

As an example, when "No 75 Sqn" deployed to Nellis for a Red Flag exercise last year, only two or three of the eight aircraft actually carried No 75 Sqn colours, the others being "borrowed" from other squadrons.

There are many reasons for this such as hours flown by an airframe, the need to equalise airframe hours amongst the fleet, length of time to next major service etc. And perhaps only aircraft that have had various upgrades or certain mission specific equipment fitted could be considered for certain deployments. So if all the Squadron’s aircraft don’t meet various criteria, those in other Squadrons which do, would be “borrowed” for the deployment.

I had lengthy correspondence with the Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshall Geoff Brown AO about this matter and he basically acknowleged that my assertions were correct.

Oh, and not to be outdone, switching is already happening between the F/A18F Squadrons and they have only been in service two years.

Cheers

Bob

[Scott K]

Been watching F16's all morning 8 of them got up in the air including a 4 ship group that took off in single file, they used the call sign 'MIG'.

[Jeff T]

Hi fella's, can anyone tell me what date the F-16's are here to?

I have a day off work next Monday, was hoping they are still here then.

Thanks,
Jeff.

[Scott K]

I have herd a rumor that they mite be here for the duration of the FCI Course. They are still here at the moment.

[Jaryd stock]

Just talking to some of the Hawk pilots at Avalon and they will be here till end of next week they said.

[Jeff T]

Thanks guys, I'll head up there on Monday and hope for the best!

Cheer's,
Jeff.