Air International 2008-01
R.Dorr - USAF Pacific Forces - Reinforcing the Rim /Military/
Fairchild Republic A-10A of the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing at Osan AB pictured in mid-2007 wearing the wing's new checkerboard markings, derived from those worn by its F-86 Sabres during the Korean War.
One of the two E-3B Sentry's assigned to 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron returns from a training sortie at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. The unit's main assignment is fulfilling PACAF's AWACS commitments in the Alaskan Region for NORAD, though aircraft and crew also participate in temporary overseas deployments. PACAF's other E-3 unit is based at Kadena AB on Okinawa, Japan.
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 05-5146, 'Spirit of Hawaii' of the 204th Airlift Squadron was the first of eight of the type to be assigned to Hickam AFB. The airlifter is pictured being escorted by two F-15A MSIPs of the 199th Fighter Squadron, Hawaii ANG. This latter unit now operates F-15Cs.
A pair of F-16CJ Fighting Falcons from the 14th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Wing based at Misawa AB in Japan. The Wing's 'WW' tailcode dates back to the Vietnam War and stems from the Wild Weasel mission it performed then (as it does to this day). The aircraft are carrying AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles on the inner pylons for the Wild Weasel mission, but are also fully capable in the air-to-air role, as evidenced by the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles on the outer weapons stations.
Currently, two PACAF bases are due to receive the F-22A Raptor - Elmendorf in Alaska and Hickam on Hawaii. The first PACAF unit to get the type was the 90th Fighter Squadron which had been operating F-15E Strike Eagles. The two types are pictured in a formation over Alaska just prior to the unit relinquishing its last F-15Es.
A B-52H Stratofortress of the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, is pictured taking-off from Andersen AFB on Guam. The USAF maintains a continuous bomber presence at the base to demonstrate its commitment to the Pacific region and 'show the flag' in the face of challenges from China and North Korea. As well as B-52Hs, B-1B Lancers and B-2 Spirits have also undertaken this commitment on a rotational basis.
Отсутствие дополнительных опор шасси, отделяющихся при взлете от нижней части крыла, говорит о недавно совершенной посадке этого U-2S. Кроме того, идущая за самолетом автомашина сопровождения также показывает, что "Леди Дракон" только что сел. Все посадки U-2 сопровождаются автомашиной, обладающей достаточной скоростью, в которой сидит другой пилот U-2 и в обратном порядке отсчитывает остающееся время до момента касания главных колес шасси. Это вызвано очень сложными посадочными характеристиками самолета. U-2 необходимо очень тщательно выровнять на высоте примерно 2,5 м над ВПП и затем плавно снижаться на протяжении нескольких сотен футов.
Beale AFB’s 5th Reconnaissance Squadron maintains a U-2S detachment at Osan AB in South Korea to provide reconnaissance for PAG AF.