F-15

An F-15C fighter aircraft credited with two aerial victories over Iraq during Operation Desert Storm was towed down GA Highway 247 to the Museum of Aviation on Friday. On February 6, 1991, Captain Thomas Dietz shot down two Russian-built MiG 21s over Iraq using AIM-9 missiles. The aircraft (F-15C #79-078) was assigned to the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, Bitburg AB, Germany at the time flying missions from a base in Saudi Arabia. F-15s are credited with downing 37 aircraft during aerial engagements over Iraq during the first three months of 1991. The F-15 will be used to support hands-on training of 402nd Maintenance Wings civilian aircraft maintenance technicians assigned to Robins Air Force Base. The F-15 and a C-130 already in place will allow maintenance training to take place on aircraft located at the Museum. According to a statement from the 402nd Maintenance Wing, “Journeyman mechanics will be able to utilize this trainer to perform the hands-on task requirements on flight controls, electronic, mechanical, fuel and engine systems. The trainer will also be used to provide a systems familiarization to our entry-level helper trainees when they are first hired. By utilizing this trainer, we will be able to provide quality training with an aircraft available at all times and not affect the production schedule of the 402 Maintenance Wing." "The move went well" according to Wilbert Boyd, 561st AMXS/MXDPD, who was the tow chief. "A perfect move, he added." U. S. Air Force photo by Sue Sapp