A blended five-ship formation flies over the Idaho Sawtooth Mountains, Nov. 1, 2006. Col. Anthony Rock, 366th Fighter Wing commander, led the formation consisting of two F-15 Strike Eagles, an F-15C, an F-16 Fighting Falcon, all from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and an EA-6B Prowler, from the 388th Electronic Control Squadron, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., a geographically separated unit from the 366th FW. The 366th Fighter Wing began the first phase of its F-16 Fighting Falcon drawdown when five jets departed the base Nov. 2. The departure is part of the wing's realignment from an F-16, F-15C and F-15E base to an all F-15E Strike Eagle installation by 2011. The move, outlined in the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure recommendation, is also part of the Air Force initiative to become a smarter and leaner force by consolidating its F-15 and F-16 fighter aircraft. (USAF photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)
Posted: 11/01/2006