Falcons in splinters

摘要

As US Air Force fighter squadrons go, the 'Blue Foxes' is a little different by way of its dedicated mission and the colour schemes applied to the Block 30 F-16C Fighting Falcons on its charge. Watching experienced fighter pilots, each of whom have previously flown various major design series type fighters in the US Air Force inventory, climb into their cockpits at Eielson, squadron patches upon their flight suits give away a Soviet feel. Red Stars denote the squadron's mission. Playing the part of MiG and Sukhoi fighters in the dedicated adversary role. The 18th Aggressor Squadron has operated from Eielson since October 1, 2007, the first day of its new mission. The previous day had been designated the 18th Fighter Squadron with a multirole mission flying Block 40 F-16Cs. Today's fleet of Block 30 F-16Cs are slightly older, a little less complex in terms of avionics and consequently provide higher mission availability.