T
he son of the F-15 pilot who made the first successful anti-satellite shot for the 1985 Celestial Eagle Flight got to fly his father’s F-15, which now belongs to the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing. SrA. Erik Hofmeyer reports that Air Guardsman SSgt. Aaron Harley, with the 125th FW’s Det. 1 at Homestead ARB, Fla., was the inspiration for this historic remembrance flight. The 1985 Eagle pilot is now-retired Maj. Gen. Doug Pearson. His son is active duty F-15 pilot, Capt. Todd Pearson, stationed at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.
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.


