Tag Archives: tyndall

Air Force Commentaries on Filling Squares, the Narrow Path

Writing on the Air Force homepage, SMSgt Vincent Miller penned “Filling Squares,” an article that many took as an apologist view of doing things just to get promoted:

As Airmen, we are more than familiar with the need to fill the proverbial squares as we strive to progress in our military career…Filling the squares also establishes separation from your peers and it is through this separation that you are most likely to fulfill your career aspirations and goals.

The article generated a slew of responses, some of which berated the Senior for appearing to promote ancillary activities over actual duty performance.  The comments likely took off because retired LtCol Tony Carr, recently a C-17 squadron commander, highlighted the commentary on his John Q. Public blog.

Senior Master Sergeant Vincent Miller, undoubtedly a skilled and well-meaning senior NCO, unintentionally Read more

QF-16 Drone Arrives at Tyndall AFB

The first QF-16 — an F-16 modified to be used as a target drone — has arrived at Tyndall AFB for testing.

The QF-16 is a supersonic reusable full-scale aerial target drone modified from an F-16 Fighting Falcon. At this time, the 53rd WEG uses QF-4s, made from 1960s F-4 Phantoms, to conduct their full-scale aerial target missions.

If the drone is put into production within a reasonable time, the QF-16 will mark the first time an active US Air Force combat airframe will be able to shoot down itself in training.  Prior target drones — including the current QF-4s — were put into use after their active counterparts were retired.

Air Force Updates F-22 Crash Response

The US Air Force took the unusual step of issuing a follow-up press release on the crash of a Tyndall F-22 last week.  Normally, the initial announcement, accompanied by the ominous “a board of officers will investigate…” is the last word heard. 

Despite initial media speculation, there are no indications that point to the life support system leading to this incident or playing any role in this crash. A thorough investigation is being conducted in accordance with standard Air Force and Department of Defense policy…

In this case, the Air Force appears to be a intentionally responding to speculation, apparently to squash possible connections to the recent “scandals” over F-22 safety.

F-22 Crashes in Florida, Pilot Ejects

An F-22 has crashed near Tyndall AFB, Florida.  The pilot was reportedly able to safely eject, and no one on the ground was hurt.

As with all incidents, the Air Force will investigate it and report on it in some months.  Notably, this one will likely draw significant attention, both due to recent “scandals” with F-22 safety and the relative cost of each of the less than 187 aircraft.  Actually, make that 186.

Movie Review: American Fighter Pilot

Tony Scott
Hannover House, 2002.
Topic: F-15 Pilot Training

American Fighter Pilot is an 8-episode TV show that followed three USAF F-15 pilots through their training at Tyndall Air Force Base. The show was almost universally panned for its melodramatic and staccato MTV-like editing. From the perspective of a Christian fighter pilot, this TV series was purchased and reviewed purely because of the constant references to the Christianity and fatherhood of one of the three highlighted student pilots.

The editing critiques were accurate; the show was almost difficult to watch because of the editing style. (The basic content of the video was excellent. One can hope that the original was kept and may one day be made into the 90-minute documentary that was purportedly originally planned.)

Ignoring the poor production, the positives Read more

F-15C Ends Training, End of an Era

The F-15C Eagle, the US Air Force’s only dedicated air superiority fighter, has just seen its last class of students graduate, at least on the active duty side.  The five-man B-course graduated May 14th.  The Oregon National Guard will continue to train Guard pilots, at least until the Air Force finally retires the Eagle.

Their graduation speaker was retired Brigadier General Steve Ritchie, the only Air Force officer to become an ace in Vietnam.

The Tyndall B-course was also the scene for American Fighter Pilot (reviewed here), a short-lived “reality” series following a trio of students through training.