Two of the three F-16s of the Air National Guard’s 119th Fighter Wing at Fargo, N.D. that flew combat air patrols over Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11, 2001, have found spots in museums. Associated Press news service reports that Lt. Col. Brad Derrig, the Happy Hooligan who flew one of the F-16s on 9/11, on Dec. 26 flew one of the Vipers to its new home at McChord AFB, Wash., where it will become a display at the base museum. The second F-16 will stay with the Hooligans on display at Fargo. ANG is using the third Viper for training.
The Pentagon awarded a contract worth over $2 billion for the next batch of F-35 engines to Pratt & Whitney on June 5. The deal for Lot 17 F135 engines, totaling $2.02 billion, is expected to be completed by December 2025.