LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
After a month-long stand-down, the 71st Fighter Squadron launched the first of their F-15C fleet Jan. 9 at 9:30 a.m.
Eagle pilots and maintainers quickly responded to the announcement by Gen. John D.W. Corley, commander of ACC, that the Eagle was ready to soar again.
Lt. Col. Robert Garland, 71st FS commander, led the six-ship Eagle formation on its first flight in more than a month, reinstating the Ironmen as a lethal weapon for the United States.
"The Eagles are released from the cage," said Colonel Garland. "The 1st Fighter Wing will once again have three combat mission ready fighter squadrons to utilize at a moment's notice. We have been waiting 44 days for this announcement - we're ready to get right back in the game."
The pilots who lost currency due to not flying for several weeks will be expected to launch and land their jet with an instructor pilot in order to continue missions they flew prior to the stand-down. Although certain qualifications were lost, the Ironmen were able to spend more time on training - in and out of the classroom.
"Our pilots were able to work on academics during the stand-down, ensuring the most senior pilot and the newest pilot are on the same page to better our flying operations," said Colonel Garland. "Although we weren't able to fly, our squadron was able to maintain the same standards we always have."
During the stand-down, maintainers were able to keep up with all of their training and requirements. The long weeks and hours maintainers put into the more than 20-year-old jets leaves little time for ancillary training or keeping up with their career development courses.
"It's been an interesting month," said Senior Airman Michael McCann, 1st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "We were willing to do whatever it took to launch our jets again."
Since 1976, the Ironmen have led the way for other Air Combat Command F-15 bases, taking an active role in Operation Desert Storm and most recently Operation Noble Eagle.
"We knew it was important to maintain all of our standards here and launch as soon as we could," said Airman McCann. "We want people to say, 'If the Ironmen are launching, then the other F-15 bases are ready.'"