The Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron began flying training missions again after the crash of one of its F-15Ds on Feb. 1, reports the Honolulu Advertiser. The Air Guard unit, which is slated to trade its Eagles for the new F-22 Raptor, still has seven of its F-15s on the ground pending further evaluation of the structural problem that led to the Nov. 2 crash of a Missouri ANG F-15C. (See above) The investigation into the Hawaii Air Guard crash is ongoing, but officials said the aircraft did not break apart so they feel confident it did not suffer a structural failure.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…