Service of General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon with USAF

The USAF accepted its first F-16 on August 17, 1978. The first operational unit to get the F-16A/B was the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, Utah, which received its first machines on January 6, 1979. It built up to a strength of 102 F-16s by the end of 1980, and trained crews from both TAC and export customers. Hill AFB was designated as the worldwide F-16 system logistical center, with both USAF and European F-16 pilots receiving their initial training there.

In the beginning, some thought had been given to naming the F-16 Mustang II, even though the original Mustang was a North American Aviation product. The name Condor was also considered. On July 21, 1980, Deputy Defense Secretary Clements announced that the official name of the F-16 would be Fighting Falcon, which was the mascot of the USAF Academy. The prefix was considered necessary in order to avoid litigation by Dassault (which marketed an executive jet with the name Falcon), as well as to avoid confusion with the Hughes Falcon air-to-air missile. Pilots and ground crews almost never use the full name, usually referring to the F-16 simply as Falcon. The unofficial name Viper is quite often used for the F-16, as well as “Electric Jet”, a reference to the fly-by-wire flight control system.

The 4th TFS of the 388th TFW achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) on November 12, 1980. In March of 1981, this unit took twelve of its F-16s for a month-long deployment to Norway, marking the first deployment of the USAF F-16s overseas.

Next to get the F-16 was the 56th Tactical Training Wing based at MacDill AFB in Florida, which became the replacement training unit (RTU) for the entire F-16 fleet. They began to receive its first F-16A/B Block 1/5 aircraft on October 22, 1979.

In May of 1981, the USAF announced that completion of the 18-month Multinational Operational Test and Evaluation Program showed that the F-16 had exceeded expectations in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. In June of 1981, seven 388th TFW aircraft won the Royal Air Force-sponsored tactical bombing competition, winning out over RAF Jaguars and Buccaneer and USAF F-111s. They defended themselves against RAF Lightnings and Phantoms in simulated air-to-air combats, scoring 88 simulated “kills” against no losses.

In August of 1981, all USAF F-16s were grounded following a fatal crash at Hill AFB. The caused was traced to a problem with the bleed air valve on the 13th stage of the F100 engine. When the bleed air valve got stuck in the open position, bleed air was directed onto the emergency power unit, causing an electrical surge which shut down the flight control computer and caused an uncommanded pitchover.

First deliveries to the 8th TFW at Kunsan in South Korea took place in September of 1981. The 8th TFW at Kunsan had the 35th and 80th TFS re-equipped with F-16s, which replaced the F-4D Phantom. This marked the first American F-16 base overseas. This modernization program was aimed in part to compensate for US troop drawdowns that had taken place in South Korea during the Carter Administration. The first USAF F-16 unit in Europe was the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Hahn AB in Germany, with Block 15 F-16A/Bs replacing F-4E Phantoms in July of 1982.

By the spring of 1982, 345 F-16s were in service with TAC units.

After a period of initial training at Zaragoza in Spain, the 50th TFW’s 313rd Tactical Fighter Squadron became operational at Hahn AB in Germany in December 1982. It was followed by the 496th and 10th TFS. Three more squadrons–the 417th, 512th, and 526th from the 86th TFW at Ramstein also switched to the F-16C from the F-4E Phantom. The first F-16s deployed to Europe were Block 15, with the larger horizontal tail surfaces and inlet hardpoints for AMRAAM missiles and LANTIRN sensors.

The 401st TFW at Torrejon in Spain began to receive Block 15 F-16s in 1983. However, in 1989 the Spanish government voted to evict all US combat units from its territory, and the 401st made plans to re-establish itself at Crotone AB in Italy. The 401st deactivated in 1991 after Desert Storm and the new wing was eventually formed in 1993 as the 31st Fighter Wing.

Production of the F-16A and B for the USAF ended in the winter of 1984/85. 785 F-16A/Bs were delivered to the USAF. Production of the first (Block 25) F-16C and D began in 1984, with the first example being delivered to the USAF in July.

In October 1985, F-16 units took six of the top seven spots in Gunsmoke 85, the USAF worldwide fighter gunnery meet held at Nellis AFB in Nevada. the 419th TFW, AFRES won first place, whereas the 50th TFW took second.

The first European-based unit to operate the F-16C was the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Ramstein AB in Germany, which switched to the Block 30 F-16C/D from the F-4E Phantom in December of 1985.

F-16s gradually replaced the older F-4 Phantoms in USAF service and soon became the USAF’s primary ground attack aircraft. In 1987, the 52nd TFW began to deploy Block 30 F-16C/Ds as a replacement for its F-4Es. These planes operated in cooperation with F-4G Phantoms in the *Wild Weasel* SAM suppression role. By 1989 the USAF in Europe had traded in all of its F-16A/B aircraft for the newer C/D models. Night operations using the LANTIRN system started in West Germany in late 1989.

By 1990, about 1500 F-16s had been delivered, and production switched over to the Block 40/42 version.

In the late 1980s, two squadrons of F-16s were supplied to the 51st TFW at Osan AB in Korea.

The F-16 was used in the Persian Gulf war of 1991 in larger numbers than any other fighter, with 249 F-16As and Cs seeing action. Most of the F-16s sent to the Gulf were Block 40 models. Most of them were fitted with LANTIRN navigation pods. However, LANTIRN targeting pods were still in short supply and the F-15E force had the higher priority, so few were available for the F-16.

Operation Desert Storm began on January 17, 1991, with coordinated air attacks against Iraq. The F-16 played a major role in the air campaign, performing 25 percent of all sorties and attacking a wide range of targets including fixed sites, radar systems, tanks, and other vehicles. The weapons delivered by F-16s were typically a pair of Mk 84 bombs, six Mk 82 bombs, CBU-52 and CBU-58 cluster munitions, the CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition, and the AIM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile. Most of the Mavericks used in the Gulf War were the AGM-65D infrared version, which proved ideal in dry desert conditions, although a few of the older AGM-65A/B television-guided Mavericks were also used. The kill rate for the Maverick was claimed to be about 80 percent, but its high cost limited its use against high-value targets such as tanks. Early in Desert Storm, it was thought that the F-16s might encounter significant air-to-air opposition, so they carried four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, one on each wing tip and one on each of the outboard underwing stations. As the Iraqi air-to-air threat diminished, the Sidewinder load was reduced to only two, carried at the wingtips. Only 72 of the F-16s used during Desert Storm were fitted with LANTIRN pods (most of them carrying only the navigation pod), so the majority of the F-16 force was used only during daylight hours. Three F-16S were loat in action, two to SAMs and one to a shoulder-launched SA-16 accidents. Other F-16s were damaged in accidents and by hostile fire, but were able to return to base and were repaired. In all, seven F-16s were lost douring Desert Storm combat operations between January 16 and February 28.

With the Iraqi air force having been knocked out during the first few days of the war or forced to flee to Iran, F-16s never got the chance to tangle with Iraqi fighters, and no air-to-air kills were scored by F-16s during Desert Storm. All of the Iraqi fixed-wing aircraft downed in air-to-air combat by USAF fighters were shot down by F-15C Eagles.

In March of 1982, it was announced that the USAF’s Thunderbirds flight demonstration team would trade in its T-38 Talons for F-16 Fighting Falcons. Transition to the F-16 was completed in November 1982, with the first public demonstration being flown in April of 1983. In March of 1985, the team re-equipped with Block 15 F-16As, plus one F-16B which is used for media orientation flights. The space normally used for the gun on the F-16 is taken up by an oil tank which is used to make smoke during air show demonstrations. The Thunderbirds’ F-16s have been modified with F100-PW-220 engines.

It was not until after Desert Storm that the F-16 was to get its first kill with the USAF. This was during Operation Southern Watch, the enforcement of a no-fly zone over southern Iraq. On December 27, 1992, a pair of Iraqi Air Force MiG-23 Floggers were spotted flying in violation of the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. They were intercepted by a pair of USAF F-16Ds from the 363rd TFW/33rd TFS. The Iraqi fighters were given a verbal warning, but they turned to confront the American aircraft. One of the MiGs was shot down by a single AIM-120A AMRAAM fired from a range of about 3 miles. The other MiG fled to Iran. This marked the combat debut of the AIM-120 AMRAAM and was also the first air-to-air combat for a USAF F-16. The victorious pilot was LtCol Gary North, flying F-16D Block 42 serial number 90-0778. On January 27, 1993, a USAF F-16C shot down an Iraqi MiG-23.

F-16s were also active during NATO operations during Bosnian peacekeeping operations in 1994-95. Under Operation Deny Flight, instituted on April 12, 1993, Serbian aircraft were forbidden to fly over Bosnian territory. On February 18, 1994, two USAF F-16Cs from the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing/526th Tactical Fighter Squadron shot down four Serbian Soko G-4 Super Galebs over Bosnia-Herzegovina. This was the first offensive action ever performed by NATO warplanes. Six Galebs had been spotted by an E-3 Sentry while bombing targets in the town of Bugojno. They were warned twice to land or leave the UN no-fly zone, but both warnings were ignored. Two USAF F-16s were then vectored in to intercept the Galebs. Two more warnings were given, and the F-16Cs were given clearance to fire. F-16C 89-2137 flown by Capt. Robert Wright fired a single AIM-120 AMRAAM which dispatched the lead Galeb, and then fired two Sidewinders which destroyed two more Galebs. The second F-16C flown by Capt. Scott O’Grady fired a Sidewinder at the fourth aircraft, but this missile missed. A second flight of F-16Cs was vectored in by the AWACS, and the lead aircraft from this flight (89-2009) , destroyed a fourth Galeb. The remaining two Galebs managed to escape Bosnian airspace via Croatia. On Jun 2, 1995, and F-16C sas shot down by a Serbian SA-6 “Gainful” missile, and the pilot, Scott O’Grady ejected and was rescued by a USMC CH-53 Sea Stallion six days later.

Operation Deny Flight continued until December 20, 1995, when control of Bosinian peacekeeping was handed over to NATO. During 26 months of operations from Aviano, more than 400 missions were flown.

In March of 1995, the 23rd FS operated Block 50 Wild Weasel aircraft in support of Operation Provide Comfort, the enforcement of the no-fly zone over northern Iraq. A number of HARMs were fired at Iraqi SAM sites that were attempting to illuminate coalition aircraft.

USAF F-16s alao participated in Operation Deliberate Force, which began on August 30, 1995, which consisted of attacks against the Bosnian Serb army which threatened “safe” areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also participated in Operation Allied Force over the entirety of Yugoslavia from March to June of 1999. The 1999 bombings led to the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces from Kosovo and the establishment of a U.N. mission in Kosovo. On May 2, 1999, a USAF F-16CG was shot down over Serbia by a SA-3 missile near Nakucani. The pilot, Lt Col David Goldfein ejected and was later rescued by a search and rescue team. The rmains of this aircraft are on display at a museum at the Belgrade International Airport. A Yugoslav MiG-29 was shot down by a pair of F-16CJs on May 4, 1999.

F-16s have been used in Afghanistan in operations against the Taliban since 2001. This was under the code name Operation Enduring Freedom, which actually covers all US worldwide actions against terrorism. A USAF F-16 crashed near Bagram Airfield on Apr 3 2013, killing the pilot. Danish, Dutch, and Norwegian F-16s have also participated.

US F-16s participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the only loss suffered over Iraq during this phase was an F-16CG of the 388th Fighter Wing’s 421st Fighter Squadron that crashed near Baghdad on 12 June 2003 when it ran out of fuel. USAF F-16s also participated in subsequent actions agains ISIS militants in Iraq. On November 27, 2006 one F-16 was lost near Falluja during a close air support strafing run when the pilot remained focused on the target instead of pulling up. On 15 June 2007, a F-16C\ crashed when the pilot lost spatial orientation during a night close air support mission. The pilot was killed in the crash. On 15 July 2007, another F-16C crashed and burned out during take off when a tire blew. The pilot ejected safely.

USAF F-16s participated in the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya in 2011 as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn. This was done to prevent government forces loyal to Muammaar Gaddafi from carrying out attacks on rebel forces.

The Air Force has announced plans to convert as many as 200 Block 30 F-16C/D Fighting Falcons for high-intensity daylight close-air support. An additional 200 Block 40 F-16C/Ds will be provided with enhanced capability for night CAS patrols. The Block 30 F-16C/Ds will have an improved data computer, a laser spot tracker, and possibly a missile approach warning system. The Block 40 F-16C/Ds will be given an upgraded LANTIRN system which will have a laser spot tracker to enhance identification of ground targets. The primary weapon for CAS will be the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missile.

The F-16 will probably remain in service with the USAF until at least 2025. The planned replacement for the USAF F-16 is the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. But due to delays, USAF F-16s will get service life extension upgrades. In 2012, the USAF allocated $2.8 billion to upgrade 350 F-16s while waiting for the F-35A to enter service. One of the upgrades was the introduction of an automatic ground collision avoidance system, to reduce the instance of controlled flight into terrain.

USAF units operating the F-16 Fighting Falcon:

• 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kunsan AB, Korea:

  35th and 80th Tactical Fighter Squadrons

  F-16A/B Block 10 taken on strength in September 1981, the 8th becoming the first overseas USAF unit to be equipped with the F-16. Later equipped with Block 15 F-16A/B. Converted to F-16C/D Block 30 in October 1987. In 1990, began to receive F-16Cs passed on to it from the 36th TFS at Osan.
  
  

• 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kadena AB, Japan:

  26th Aggressor Squadron

  Was to have received Block 30 F-16Cs in 1989, but was disbanded in 1990 before planes could be taken on strength when USAF disbanded its agressor program. Planes transferred to 36th TFS at Osan.
  
  

• 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB, North Carolina

  55th, 77th, 78th, 79th Fighter Squadrons
  
  

• 23rd Wing, Pope AFB, North Carolina:

  74th Fighter Squadron

  23rd Wing was activated in June 1992. Dedicated to support of 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Other squadrons are A-10 and C-130 units. Was lead unit in planned invasion of Haiti. Took part in major reinforcement of Kuwait in response to Iraqi maneuvers.
  
  

• 27th Fighter Wing, Canon AFB, New Mexico:

  428th, 522nd, 523rd and 524th Fighter Squadrons.
  
  

• 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, Homestead AFB, Florida:

  306th, 307th, 308th and 309th Tactical Fighter Squadrons.

  Received F-16A/B Block 15 in October 1982. 306th TFS have been deactivated. Converted to F/16C/D Block 40 in 1990. The “Tactical” was dropped from the designation in 1991. In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew devastated Homestead and the unit was deactivated. Squadron numbers transferred to Luke AFB as training squadrons. Wing number of 31 later reestablished at Aviano, Italy with the 512th and 555th Fighter Squadrons.
  
  

• 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano AB, Italy:

  510th and 555th Fighter Squadron.

  Made up of 401st TFW that was deactivated in 1991. Received 31st FW number from disbanded Homestead unit. Activated April 1994 with Block F-16C/D aircraft from Ramstein AB. 526th FS was renumbered 555th FS, which had previously been an F-15E training unit at Luke AFB. The 512th FS was transferred directly from Ramstein. In 1994, the 512th FS was renumbered 510th FS, assuming the identity of an A10 unit. This unit has been heavily involved in the Deny Flight operations over former Yugoslavia.
  
  

• 35th Figher Wing, Misawa AB, Japan:

  13th and 14th Fighter Squadrons

  Previously operated F-4Gs at George AFB, and was inactivated in December 1992. Reactivated in 1993 in Iceland, but numberplate transferred to Misawa in October 1994, replacing the 432nd FW. Operates Block 50 F-16CJs.
  
  

• 50th Tactical Fighter Wing, Hahn AB, Germany:

  10th , 313th, and 496th Tactical Fighter Squadrons.

  First USAF F-16 unit in Europe, with Block 15 F-16A/Bs replacing F-4E Phantoms in July 1982. Upgraded to Block 25 F-16C/D in 1986. 50th TFW deactivated in September 1991. 313th and 496th TFS disbanded and planes redistributed to ANG.
  
  

• 51st Tactical Fighter Wing, Osan AB, Korea:

  36th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

  Received first Block 30 F-16C/Ds in January 1989. Received new LANTIRN-equipped F-16C Block 42 aircraft in June 1990. These are equipped with the F100-PW-220 engine. Initial batch of F-16Cs transferred to 8th TFW at Kunsan. In October 1990, became 51st Fighter Wing. Also has a squadron of A-10s and a C-12J squadron.
  
  

• 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany:

  22nd, 23rd, 81st, and 480th Tactical Fighter Squadrons

  Acquired Block 30 F-16C/D in July 1987. Acts in conjunction with F-4G Phantom in the “Wild Weasel” SAM suppression role. 81st squadron later converted to an A-10 unit. 480th was later renumbered as 22nd FS. Acquired Block 50 F-16C/D in 1993. Today, the 52nd is a composite wing, with two F-16 squadrons, one of A-10s, and one of F-15Cs. Heavily involved in Deny Flight operations over former Yugoslavia, with detachments based at Aviano AB.
  
  

• 53rd Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida

  85th TES, 422nd TES
  
  

• 56th Tactical Training Wing, MacDill AFB, Florida:

  61st, 62nd, 63rd, and 72nd Tactical Fighter Training Squadrons

  Received first Block 1/5 F-16A/Bs in October of 1979, replacing the F-4D Phantom. Eventually standardized on F-16C/D Block 30 aircraft in 1990. Wing and squadrons were redesignated as FW and FS respectively in 1991. Inactivated in 1994, with squadron numbers and wing numberplate being assigned to 58th FW at Luke AFB. 58th FW later redesignated 56th FW.
  
  

• 57th Fighter Weapons Wing, Nellis AFB, Nevada:

  422nd Test Squadron, F-16 Fighter Weapons Squadron. 414th Training Squadron, 64th Aggressor Squadron, Detachment 2 at Luke AFB, Detachment 16 at Hill AFB.

  Carries out flight test and evaluation duties. 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron received first F-16A in September of 1980. Small numbers of Block 15s F-16A/B and Block 25 F-16C/Ds were used. 57th was one of the first two units to take delivery of F-16C/D Block 32s, in June/July of 1987. Fighter Weapons School used for instructional purposes. 64th AS operated Block 32 F-16C/D, but with cancellation of USAF adversary program, the 64th AS was deactivated on October 5, 1990. A small number of Block 32 F-16C/Ds operate in Russian-style camouflage with the Adversary Tactics Division of the 414th Training Squadron (formerly the 4440th Tactical Fighter Training Group), the unit responsible for organizing the *Red Flag* exercises. The Aerial Demonstration Swuadron (Thunderbirds) are based at Nellis, now operating F-16C/D Block 32. Redesignated 57th Wing in 1994.
  
  

• 58th Tactical Training Wing, Luke AFB, Arizona:

  61st, 62nd 63rd, 308th, 309th, 310th, 311th, 312th, 314th, 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadrons

  Acquired F-16A/B Block 10 aircraft in February 1983, initially equipping 310th, 311th, and 312th TFTS. 314th TFTS added in 1986. 310th, 312th, 314th converted to F-16C/D Block 25 in 1986. The 311th TFTS remained with the F-16A, and was the primary squadron providing training to FMS transition to foreign F-16 pilots. Lost 312th TFTS in 1991. Redesignated 58th FW on October 1, 1991. When MacDill closed, F-16 training committment was transferred to Luke. Name changed to 56th Fighter Wing on April 1, 1994, taking over training duties from MacDill AFB. Acquired 61st, 62nd, and 63rd squadron numbers from MacDill, plus 308th and 309th numbers from ex- Homestead 31st FW. 425th FS is expected to adopt the 307th FS number in the future. Only the 310th and 311th FS from the original 58th TTW lineup have survived. 56th FW has 8 F-16 squadrons, standardized on Block 40, but 61st and 62nd retain Block 25s and the 425 still has Block 15 A/Bs for training of FMS customers. This FMS mission is to be handed over to the Arizona ANG in late 1995, with the 425th receiving F-16C/D. Current squadrona are 21st, 61st, 62nd, 63rd, 308th, 309th, 310th, 311th, and 425th.
  
  

• 75th Air Base Wing, Hill AFB, Utah

  Ogden Air Logistics Center operates two F-16 for testing of new maintenance procedures and modifications.
  
  

• 79th Test and Evaluation Group, Eglin AFB, Florida: 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron–redesignated 85th TS 1992

  Operates a variety of F-16s on test and evaluation programs
  
  

• 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, RAF Bentwaters, England:

  527th Aggressor Squadron

  Acquired Block 32 F-16Cs in January 1989 for agressor role. Disbanded in 1990, with aircraft being dispersed to other units.
  
  

• 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard AFB, Texas

  Equipped with a number of GF-16 ground instructional airframes.
  
  

• 86th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ramstein AB, Germany:

  512th and 526th Tactical Fighter Squadrons

  Converted to Block 30 F-16C/D in December 1985, replacing F-4E Phantom. First overseas operator of F-16C/D. Received Block 40 LANTIRN-capable F-16C/D in 1993/1994. Heavily involved with Deny Flight operations over former Yugoslavia. These two F-16 squadrons relocated to Aviano AB, Italy in 1995. The 526th was redesignated the 555th, and the 512th became the 510th, and they were transferred to the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing. The 86th Wing remained at Ramstein, but became an air transport wing.
  
  

• 347th Tactical Fighter Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia:

  68th, 69th, 70th, 307th, 308th Tactical Fighter Squadrons

  68th, 69th, and 70th TFS converted to Block 15 F-16A/B in 1985. In early 1990, converted to F-16C/D Block 40 with LANTIRN. 69th TFS was dispatched to Desert Storm. In 1993, absorbed 307th and 308th FS from deactivating 31st FW in preparation to becoming an Army support composite wing. Redesignated 347th Wing on July 1, 1994. Lost 69th, 70th, and 308th FS, and 307th was renumbered as the “new” 69th FS. 70th FS number was transferred to a new A-10 squadron. Now has 68th and 69th FS with Block 40 F-16C/D. The 52nd AS flies C-130s.
  
  

• 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska:

  18th Tactical Fighter Squadron

  Was formerly 343rd Fighter Wing, but acquired the number of the 354th FW in 1993 when it disbanded as an A-10 unit. Obtained Block 40 LANTIRN-capable F-16C/D in 1991.
  
  

• 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Shaw AFB, South Carolina:

  17th, 19th, and 33rd Tactical Fighter Squadrons

  Had been the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, operating the RF-4C Phantom. 17th and 19th TFS began converting to F-16A/B Block 15 in 1982, but transitioned to Block 25 F-16C/D in 1985. 33rd TFS retained its RF-4Cs until 1989 when it transitioned to F-16Cs. Reequipped with F-16C/D Block 42 in 1991 and soon therafter to Block 50D. Stationed at Al Dafra AB at Sharjah for *Desert Storm*. Became 363rd FW (17th, 19th and 33rd FS) in 1991. Achieved first USAF F-16 kill on December 27, 1992, a MiG-25 over southern Iraq. 363rd FW redesignated 20th FW in January 1994, with its squadrons being renumbered 77th, 78th, and 79th FS. 20th FW was formerly an F-111E unit which had been deactivated, the 77th and 79th FS had formerly been F-111E squadrons, and the 78th FS had formerly been an A-10 unit.
  
  

• 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho:

  389th Tactical Fighter Squadron

  Redesignated 366th Wing on January 1, 1992. Acquired Block 25 F-16C/D in Summer of 1992 Other squadrons in the wing are equipped with F-15, KC-135R, and B-1B. 389th FS upgraded to Block 52D F-16C/D at end of 1994. Supported Operation Provide Comfort.
  
  

• 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah:

  4th, 34th, and 421st Tactical Fighter Squadrons. 16th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron.

  First USAF unit to operate the F-16A/B, taking delivery of first F-16A on January 6, 1979. Operated Block 1, 5, and 10 machines, and primarily used as a training unit, including instructors from the initial four European users. 16th TFTS deactivated in 1987 and its planes transferred to Montana ANG. The remaining 3 squadrons converted to Block 40 LANTIRN-capable F-16C/Ds beginning in May of 1989. 4th FS received Block 50 F-16C in 1993. 34th and 421st did not. 4th reverted to Block 40 aircraft in early 1995. Hill AFB is a possible candidate for base closure.
  
  

• 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, Torrejon AB, Spain:

  612th, 613th, 614th Tactical Fighter Squadrons

  Reequipped with F-16A/B in April 1983, replacing the F-4D Phantom. Re-equipped in 1989 with F-16C/D Block 30 aircraft. In 1989, Spanish government voted to evict US combat units from its territory, and 401st prepared to move to Italy. The Gulf War intervened, and the 614th TFS was sent to Qatar to provide air defense. 401th TFW vacated Torrejon in 1992. 612th, 613th, 614th TFW deactivated and aircraft were redistributed to other units. Relocated to Aviano AB, Italy, but with no aircraft. Redesignated the 31st Fighter Wing in April 1994 and equipped with Block 40 F-16C/D aicraft relocated from Ramstein AB.
  
  

• 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing, Misawa AB, Japan: 13th and 14th Tactical Fighter Squadrons

  Second Pacific Air Force wing to receive F-16. Converted to F-16A/B Block 15 in July 1985. Later converted to F-16C/D Block 30 in 1990. Renumbered as 35th Fighter Wing in 1992, adopting the number of a disbanding F-4 wing at George AFB. In early 1995, received Block 50 F-16C/D aircraft.
  
  

• 474th Tactical Fighter Wing, Nellis AFB, Nevada:

  428th, 429th, and 430th Tactical Fighter Squadrons

  Third wing to receive Fighting Falcons. Received first Block 1/5 F-16A/Bs in November 1980, replacing F-4D Phantom. Later operated Block 10 F-16A/Bs. Unit deactivated in 1989, the three squadrons resurfacing as F-111 operators with the 27th FW.
  
  

• 3246th Test Wing, Elgin AFB, Florida:

  39th and 40th Flight Test Squadron, 3247th Test Squadron

  Flight test mission for armament work. Received first F-16A/B Block 5s in 1980. Renumbered 46th Test Wing in 1992, with 3247th TS becoming the 40th FTS. The 39th FTS was added later.
  
  

• 6510th Test Wing, Edwards AFB, California:

  6512th Test Squadron, 416th Fighter Test Squadron

  Flight test duties, chase aircraft, aircraft for the Test Pilot School. Renumbered 412th Test Wing October 1, 1992, and its fleet organized into squadrons by type. All F-16 flying now conducted by 416th FTS.
  
  

• Tactical Air Warfare Center, Elgin AFB, Florida:

  4485th Test Squadron.

  Has operated a mixed bag of F-16s since 1975 on weapons delivery and other tactics test missions.
  
  

• Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB, Utah

  operates a single F-16A for test duties.

Air Force Reserve:

In March of 1982, the USAF announced that the Air Force Reserve would be supplied with F-16A/B Fighting Falcons. The Air Force Reserve, like the Air National Guard, has in recent years been assigned a greater responsibility for supplementing frontline units, and has been assigned the latest aircraft types and equipment to support active duty units if needed. Initially primarily a transport-oriented unit, the AFRes now operates a variety of combat aircraft as well as aeromedical evacuation, rescue, and air evacuation aircraft. The AFRes has even been assigned strategic bombers.

In January of 1984, the 419th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Hill AFB in Utah became the first Air Force Reserve unit to operate the F-16, taking delivery of F-16A/B blocks 1, 5, and 10 aircraft transferred to it from the 388th TFW, also based at Hill. They replaced F-105 Thunderchief fighter bombers.

AFRes F-16s have flown a number of missions over northern Iraq under Operation Provide Comfort.

The Air Force Reserve is scheduled for drastic cutbacks under the current defense drawdown following the end of the Cold War. The seven surviving F-16 units will reduce their complements from 18 to 15 aircraft, and the 89th Fighter Squadron at Wright Patterson AFB will retire its F-16A/Bs in exchange for C-141B transports and will join the 356th ALS, 907th AG.

USAF Reserve Units operating the F-16 Fighting Falcon:

• 301st Fighter Wing, Carswell AFB, Texas:

  457th Fighter Squadron

  Operates F-16A/B beginning in December 1990. Now equipped with Block 30 F-16C/D
  
  

• 419th Tactical Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah:

  466th Tactical Fighter Squadron

  Received first Block 1/5/10 F-16A/B in January 1984, replacing F-105. Aircraft acquired from active-duty 388th TFW. Upgraded to Block 30 F-16C/D in mid 1994.
  
  

• 482nd Tactical Fighter Wing, Homestead AFB, Florida:

  93rd Tactical Fighter Squadron

  Acquired Block 15 F-16A/B July 1989. Based at MacDill AFB between 1992 and 1994 after Homestead was damaged by Hurrican Andrew. Returned to Homestead in 1994.
  
  

• 507th Tactical Fighter Group, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma: 465th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

  Acquired Block 10 F-16A/B in 1988. 507th FG inactivated in 1994, the 465th becoming a KC-135 squadron.
  
  

• 906th Tactical Fighter Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: 89th Tactical Fighter Squadron

  Acquired Block 10 F-16A/B in October 1989 Inactivated in late 1994 and 89th squadron number was transfereed to a C-141B airlift unit.
  
  

• 924th Fighter Group, Bergstrom AFB, Texas: 704th Fighter Squadron

  Converted to Block 15 F-16A/B in 1991. Acquired Block 32 F-16C/D in 1994. 924th was raised to Wing status on October 1, 1994.
  
  

• 926th Fighter Group, NAS New Orleans, Louisiana:

  706th Fighter Squadron

  Equipped with Block 30 F-16C/D in 1992.
  
  

• 944th Tactical Fighter Group, Luke AFB, Arizona:

  302nd Tactical Fighter Squadron

  Issued with Block 32 F-16C/D in 1987. Designation changed to 944th FG/302nd FS in 1992.

Sources:

1. Combat Aircraft F-16, Doug Richardson, Crescent, 1992.
   
   
2. General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors, John Wegg, Naval Institute Press, 1990.
   
   
3. The American Fighter, Enzo Angelucci and Peter Bowers, Orion, 1987.
   
   
4. United States Military Aircraft Since 1909, Gordon Swanborough and Peter M. Bowers, Smithsonian, 1989.
   
   
5. F-16 Fighting Falcon–A Major Review of the West’s Universal Warplane, Robert F. Dorr, World Airpower Journal, Spring 1991.
   
   
6. The World’s Great Interceptor Aircraft, Gallery, 1989.
   
   
7. Lockheed F-16 Variants, Part 1, World Airpower Journal, Volume 21, Summer 1995.
   
   
8. Continental NATO Air Forces, Paul Jackson, World Airpower Journal, Volume 1, Spring 1990.
   
   
9. Modern Military Aircraft–F-16 Viper, Lou Drendel, Squadron/Signal Publications, 1992.
   
   
10. The Fury of Desert Storm–The Air Campaign, Bert Kinzey, Tab Books, 1991.
    
    
11. F-16 Operators: Part 1, David Donald, World Airpower Journal, Volume 23, 1995.
    
    
12. United States Air Force, Tom Kaminski and Mel Williams, Combat Aircraft Vol 2 No. 8, March-April 2000.
    
    
13. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon operational history, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon_operational_history
    
    
14. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon