The first two F-15Cs of the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla., have departed for their new home in New Orleans with the Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing, which is picking up some newer model Eagles from the active force. The 33rd FW at Eglin is getting ready to take on its new role, serving as the international training center for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Along with that new mission, the unit will move from Air Combat Command to Air Education and Training Command. Col. Todd Harmer, commander of the 33rd FW, said, “The 33rd Fighter Wing has played an integral part providing air dominance for America and that role will continue as we transition to the F-35.” (Includes Eglin report by SSgt. Bryan Franks)
A half-dozen pilots from one of the Air Force’s premier F-16 units, the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., have been awarded one of the service’s highest decorations for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.