Pacific Air Forces has deployed Block 50 F-16s from the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa AB, Japan, to Iraq, marking the first time for Block 50 Vipers to operate in Iraq, according to an Air Force release. The 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron now serves as a third fighter squadron assigned to Balad AB, Iraq. The Block 50 F-16s offer an improved data link, along with other advances. Misawa deployed some 250 pilots and maintainers to Balad.
Control of the skies in Operation Epic Fury is enabling the Pentagon to rely more on satellite- and laser-guided bombs, throttle back on expensive long-range standoff munitions, and move to a new phase of air war, defense officials said on March 4. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.…