An Air Force F-16 crashed at Balad AB, Iraq during its takeoff at 4:55 p.m. July 15 (Baghdad time). The pilot ejected safely. The Viper was slated for a close air support mission at the time of the accident, which is under investigation.
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…