The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing in Burlington has just flown one of its Block 25 F-16s past 7,000 flying hours, the first F-16C to accumulate so many hours, reports the Burlington Free Press. ANG Lt. Col. Thomas Jackman flew tail No. 83-001165 on its milestone flight on March 24. Improvements over the years to the Air Force’s F-16 fleet have extended the fighter’s service life beyond the original 4,000 hours.
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.
