The 522 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, which has been deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, from Cannon AFB, N.M. as part of the Air Force’s regular rotation of fighters and bombers to the Pacific region, took the opportunity to engage in rapid response sorties, closing on the “threat” aircraft at supersonic speeds, reports TSgt. Steven Wilson. Viper pilot Capt. Jason Monaco said, “The ability to complete rapid and safe intercepts of hostile aircraft allows senior leaders to make timely decisions regarding our strategies to best deal with the bad guys.”
Less than a day after arriving in the Middle East, F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. defended Israel from an Iranian attack in April 2024. DUDE flight, four F-15Es from the 335th Fighter Squadron, downed two dozen Iranian drones in roughly 45 minutes.