Air Force and industry teams at 10 bases recently completed structural modifications to correct cracking found on 83 of the Air Force’s two-seat F-16Ds, officials announced. All 157 of the Air Force’s F-16Ds were grounded following the discovery of canopy sill cracks on four aircraft at Luke AFB, Ariz., last July. “Our initial focus was at Luke because that was where they had the most grounded aircraft,” F-16 System Program Office Materiels Lead Lt. Col. Chris Goad said in a July 28 release. Modifications to the bulk of Luke’s fleet were completed last December. “Once we got the proper tools, we were able to implement work among five depot teams,” supported by Air National Guard and 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group personnel from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., Goad said. Technicians completed modifications to the final F-16D in late April, according to the release.
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…