The 199th Fighter Squadron is stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. The 199th
received their first F-15A/B's in 1987 replacing the F-4C's. In 1991 the
199th FS transitioned from the F-15A/B to the F-15C/D models. The "hangman"
are going to replace their F-15's in 2010 with the F-22 Raptor.
(I am looking
for more information of the 199 FS, like squadron
rituals, history, personal stories related to the 199 FS etc) Any
information that you would like to donate can be sent to
eagle@skytrailer.com

Flying Down Under with
the RAAF
10/4/2008 - WILLIAMTOWN,
Australia -- The 199th Fighter Squadron marked the beginning of the end of
the F-15 era with a recent deployment to Australia in support of Exercise
Sentry Down Under Sept. 3-22.
Sentry Down Under, a joint exercise between the HIANG and the Australian Air
Force, gave more than 100 HIANG members an opportunity to train in
unfamiliar surroundings and to support Australian Air Force's Weapons
Officer's course.
"We pulled people out of their comfort zone, out of the home environment
where they are very comfortable with unlimited resources and put them in an
environment with a limited number of personnel, a few airplanes, and limited
parts," said Lt. Col. Glen Nakamura, detachment commander for Sentry Down
Under.
In the course of training, supply and communications challenges, and other
unexpected events crept into the operations.
"Having unplanned events actually prepares us better for combat," said Lt.
Col. Nakamura. "It teaches us to operate and think outside the box." "It's
all about getting the mission done, one team, one fight," added Lt. Col.
Nakamura.
Every deployment is like practice for the real thing, building up your
equipment and being able to operate away from home, said Chief Master Sgt.
Craig Harimoto, who was in charge of ground safety during Sentry Down Under.
While the HIANG was learning how to overcome adversity and operate outside
the box, the Australian Air Force honed their aviator skills.
"The Guard is working with us for counter air defense exercises," said Wing
Commander Phil Gordon, Commanding Officer No 2 Operational Conversion Unit.
"They're flying both as good guys and adversary aircraft, giving us
realistic threat simulations," he added.
"The Australian pilots have been fantastic. They're outstanding aviators,"
said Lt. Col. Nakamura.
According to Wing Commander Gordon, the high quality of the next generation
of weapons officers that the Royal Australian Air Force will produce will
be, in no small part, due to the Guard.