David Hoffman- Thanks for this video. I was a contractor with Lockheed Support Systems 1983-1984, we modified all the F15s stationed in Europe, at Bitburg AB. My position was a Senior Technician, which meant that I had to checkout effected systems on the aircraft and deliver the aircraft back to it's unit with all systems working properly. Overload Warning System. It was the proudest jobs of my 40+ years working on airplanes. Wanted to work on them while I was in the USAF but worked on C141 & C5 instead. I spent 9 years working on the F16 program in my hometown Fort Worth Texas. F15 is a fantastic plane to work on, the best of all planes I worked on in my career!
@@shitoryu8 Enlist in the USAF. The F15 will be around for many more years. The USAF is scheduled to purchase another 100 or so new F15s in the coming years. Job title for a crew chief is Tactical Aircraft Specialist. Tell your recruiter that you want a specific aircraft. F15, F16, A10 and probably F22 and F35 are all in the same career field. Use your time on active duty to gain experience and get your Airframe and Powerplant certification from the FAA. In the meantime, study hard in school and pay attention in science and shop class. ...and learn how to maintain your own vehicle. Self study is important. Good luck in your endeavors.
Hey Maddox, that's interesting piece of story there. I wonder what's your position on the F-16 program, which Block version you were involved ? Thank you
I was a Aircraft Crew Chief in the wing that flew and maintained the SR- 71 and U2 for four years. Like the Chief in this video I watched both take off and return in amazement each and everything time. I have been out for 27 years now but still miss it every day.
I was stationed at Bitburg AB from December 1975 to December 1977 as a weather observer. During this timeframe, they transitioned from the F-4 Phantoms to the F-15 Eagles. Bitburg was the first operational F-15 wing outside of the continental US. Those pilots were the cream of the crop. The Eagles were flown nonstop from the US and what a sight it was to witness their arrival at Bitburg! I never tired of watching them take off and land. Miss those days.
My first duty station, Langley AFB 1978 working on the F-15 among other aircraft. I love this plane. Next moved on to Nellis AFB and an airframe unknown to man. I was amazed when I saw it. Retired after 22 years of service.
My dad "Rocky Jones" was a U.S. fighter pilot in WWII and Korean War (FQ-390 "Mid Night Sinner" F-82G). After 14 yrs in U.S.A.F. he became a "test pilot" for Hughes Aircraft Co in Culver City, CA, and then in 1967 we moved to VA (I was 7 y.o.) where he became an Asst. Manager in Hughes' Riverdale Plaza office, in Hampton, VA. Before an early retirement he was in charge of the F-15 Radar Development Program with Hughes that went to Bitburg Germany in the 80's, (I have a patch) where he earned his "Eagle Flyer" plaque as a passenger. It read they did give him "the stick" for a few minutes! Tragically he was killed in 1990 in a Formula-1 air race in TX from a mid-air collision by an "illegally participating active" NASA shuttle pilot. Dad was only 69, and I still miss him!
The ground crew is what keeps them birds flying. My dad was a fighter pilot in the 50's & 60's. His tradition was to do the customary preflight check, then shake hands with the ground crew. The ground crew would render sharp hand salutes and dad would return it with a typical slouch fighter pilot salute. Quite the guy.
Love it ! I was a line troubleshooter in a navy training squadron 4 yrs 2 yrs on the line ,every time one started up , goose bumps. Motor head to the end !
As someone who was privileged to be on one of the original maintenance prep teams for Bitburg when the F-15's first came over in '77, all these films give me a great sense of nostalgia. We prepped them at Langley, watched them take off, and then caught up to them in the revetments later that month. USAFE was one of the best commands I was assigned to and two of the best years of my life. I'm glad to see these films still surviving.
My dad "Rocky Jones" was a U.S. fighter pilot in WWII and Korean War (FQ-390 "Mid Night Sinner" F-82G). After 14 yrs in U.S.A.F. he became a "test pilot" for Hughes Aircraft Co in Culver City, CA, and then in 1967 we moved to VA (I was 7 y.o.) where he became an Asst. Manager in Hughes' Riverdale Plaza office, in Hampton, VA. Before an early retirement he was in charge of the F-15 Radar Development Program with Hughes that went to Bitburg Germany in the 80's, (I have a patch) where he earned his "Eagle Flyer" plaque as a passenger. It read they did give him "the stick" for a few minutes! Tragically he was killed in 1990 in a Formula-1 air race in TX from a mid-air collision by an "illegally participating active" NASA shuttle pilot. Dad was only 69, and I still miss him!
I remember seeing F-15's sorties every day over our house growing up my Dad was a Chief at Tyndall 325th. I loved going to work with him on swing shifts seeing Eagles in the hangar. Great memories of that aircraft.
In 1973, I was a 19 year-old college student who was very lucky to get a summer job at the McDonnell Aircraft plant at the St Louis airport. I was privileged to be assigned work on the very first blocks of what was then the brand new F-15 fighter. I am a bit astonished to have recently retired knowing that the F-15 that I worked on while in college is still flying.
How did you get your start in the aviation industry? What kind of study did you do? I'm really interested in that field and just looking for a little advice if you have a moment.
I had the pleasure of being stationed at nearby Spangdahlem as a crew chief on the F-16. Bitburg was a nice base but began to close in 1993. Today, businesses occupy the shelters and some of the buildings once inhabited by us Americans. The caserne side is mostly abandoned/empty.The F-15's came to Spangdahlem in about late 93/early 94. Beautiful aircraft. the 53rd FS had some great people in it (I was 23rd FS) Thank you Germany for the awesome experience and the people! I have been back to Spang area a few times and have German friends (old landlords) they're my other family. Germany rocks and I'm proud to call myself a USAF veteran and former crew chief on the F-16.
I was one of the original 200 "Eagle Keepers" at Robbins AFB. I loved this machine! Was amazing how fast it could get up to takeoff speed but yet fly do slow on landing approach. It looked like it jus hanging there hovering.
Thank you for your work. I’m fascinated by 20th century military history, especially the Cold War. The sheer size of allied forces in west Germany is mind blowing. Over 200,000 personnel! I truly wish I could find more footage like this. It’s hard to find good footage on west German US air bases.
@leadsolo ...actually, HGU-33/P has NEVER been used by USAF. Lots of infos leaking here and there were wrong in the past - models like the one seen in the video were the single visor HGU-2A/P variants up to late 1974; and from that on, the HGU-26 in single-visor configuration. USAF Technical Orders from 1975 onwards only do mention of HGU-26/P nomenclature. The near-identical HGU-33/P and -34/P were only used by USN and USMC airmen; and, not even were operational before summer 1980.
I was in the Air Force got to see this just about every day, Live close to a Navy base now, Still will never get tired of that Sound! That Sound You Hear👂🏻THAT’S FREEDOM!! AMEN!!
This is what I always wanted to do since I was a kid. But life got in the way, you know? I once had an incredibly young flight instructor who told me that he'd been accepted as an Air Force fighter pilot trainee on F-15s. I've seen F-15s in action and they live up to the hype. They can accelerate vertically and have never lost an air-to-air combat mission.
I hear ya. I wanted to do this badly too. I thought you had to be really really good at math (which I was not at all). But, looking back at a flying career, I'm glad I didn't. I came to value time with my family more than anything. I thought, well, maybe the airlines. But same thing: I get to go home every day to my family. I still have to go away for the army now and then, but it's gotten me to where I am today. I found the IT career field to be very very rewarding, and much more safe and stable than almost any other career field. I love the peace of mind knowing that if I lose my job (unlikely) that it wouldn't take long to get another cyber security role. It's amazing how our desires, and dreams, and plans can change. I'm happy with where I've been and where I am now. Sure, I always wonder what it'd be like to be up high looking down, and sitting in a 777 or 747 cockpit taking people where they need to be. But, I can't let it consume me with regret. I feel really good knowing what I do is much more important (maybe) and meaningful, and stable. As long as you provide for your family, and can help your kids realize their dreams earlier on than wait, and teach them good life lessons, that's something that counts. This life is only temporary. It's what's in heaven that matters because that is infinity.
Captain Stone if you see this comment " Thank You for Your Service " from an Air Force Veteran . I salute you Sir . Also same at ya to the Crew Chief .
rojo kni , we all looked like that back when! In 66, 67 & 68 while I flew F4 Phantoms in The Corps I recently found a pic of me in my flight gear squatting in front of my bird in DaNang. Shit, I did look a bit older than this First Louie though
As a former airline pilot, over the years I got to see some pretty cool stuff. Early one morning I got to see two F-15s sparring, out in the practice area, South of Tyndall AFB. It's hard to wrap your head around having that much power on tap. That sight totally changed my concept of energy management. WOW!
Kraals talk about power, it’s when you’re at landing weight and have to do a wave-off and you go at the speed of heat that you know what raw power is. At that point you’re better than 1 to 1 weight to thrust ratio. That’ll stuff your nads in your back pockets!
Such a Legendary Aircraft . My Dad was a Wing Commander before retirement and I got to go for a ride once in the early 90s. I was active duty Army but wasnt about to pass that opportunity up. And Wow does the F-15 accelerate . Ive flown lots of fixed wing Aircraft over the years ( civilian private Aircraft ) . All piston driven and some piston driven aircraft pull pretty good but there is nothing like the the moment the landing gear retracts and the driver suddenly snaps it verticle for 5,000 ft straight up at 600 + mph. Its unbelievably powerful . The aircraft even headed straight up continues to accelerate like it weighs nothing . It just gets with it plain & simple.
"The Wing" a great film by Pratt and Whitney. The lieutenant was Clausen. "Claw". I used to have a copy of this film. Clausen was a personal friend and told me that he couldn't believe he actually got paid to fly Eagles. My years at Bitburg were awesome. The 36th Fighter Wing sat Zulu Alert when I was there with 4 primes and 4 alternates. One Friday afternoon we launched all 4 primes real world. I got a call from branch to implement check sheet xx and they hung up. I looked at my war sheets and they said recall all personnel, generate all aircraft, full war configuration. All personnel report to war duty locations.....it was tense with only the sounds of jammers screaming and maintenance trucks running like mad. After a couple hours I heard jets incoming and watched our birds touch down and we were counting stations to see if we had all missiles. Then phone rang and said stand down and everyone was released to go home after securing the line. Next week found out that we and all other NATO interceptors were scrambled to meet 400 fighters flying toward the W German border from USSR. Work was hard and we played harder.
Thank you for your comment. You are correct on all fronts except the film was made with the grant to me from United Technologies, the company that owned Pratt and Whitney as you may remember. Clausen was a terrific person as were so many that I met there. Maybe you were one of them. David Hoffman-filmmaker
This base had almost 80 of these planes with only the air to air mission to fight during the cold war. Making it the best fighter base in the world one could be assigned to. In addition it also has a huge brewery next door. Bitte en Bit.
Bitburg and spangdahlem AIr bases are a special place in my heart. Loved my time in the eifel. If only i could go back to that time in my life. Really loved the german people
I thought this pilot's right shoulder patch looked familiar; I was stationed at Bitburg during mid-70s, AFSC 81150A (K-9 Security); far as I know, we never lost (by theft) aircraft or special ordnance during that time.
I was an F-100 and F-4 mechanic. When I first got on flight status and was TDY in Florida, was sitting in a bar with the pilot and rest of our small group. The pilot ask if I wanted to fly in the morning with him (F model F-100 2 seats). I hadn't flown yet so hemmed and hawed a bit. He said "Let's see. You work on my plane but don't want to fly in it?" I said "I'll see you suited up in the morning!" Lead to a lot of fun time.
I was at The Air Force base in Little Rock for a week playing in band at the office's club and met a couple of piolts who invited us out to the airfield to checkout their planes the net morning. When it was time to take off they did this very same maneuver. They lifted off the ground in no time at all, put up their landing gear, pointed the nose up and "popped the clutch!" they disappeard within seconds! Just about the coolest thing I've ever seen.
He was young but one of the best guys you could meet. I think he was 25 but he was a 1lt and a graduate of the Zoo! I am glad he was my friend. He used to tell me he couldn't believe he actually got paid to fly F-15's. He would say don't tell anyone I would fly for free. F-15 mantra was air to air and not a pound for air to ground. These jets were true Eagles!
Thank you for your comment. It was an extraordinary experience to be on the base not only with the pilots but with everyone involved in making the Bitburg Air Force community so extraordinarily tight and caring. David Hoffman-filmmaker
Hi I'm from Singapore one of the airforce which operate F-15 Eagle beside Japan,South Korea and Saudi Arabia our Republic of Singapore Airforce (RSAF) took delivery our brand new first batch of F-15SG base on F-15E version in 2005 and our F-15SG pilots and ground crew were trained at Mountain Home Airforce base in US.Tail code "MO" after training all will send back to Singapore for daily operation the cockpit for F-15SG all the main flight instrument control were all touch screen it can carry wide variety of ordnance from Air to Ground and Air to Air and it carry advance laser targeting pod and sensor with Conformal Fuel Tank (CFT).Our Sqn operate the F-15SG from Paya Lebar Air Base
I photographed a F14 Tomcat doing a wing forward afterburner 180 over Port Hueneme in California that set off car alarms for miles. And I thought TopFuel Funny Cars were loud. Sounds kinda like a Space Shuttle launch. I’ll never forget that day some 30+ years ago.
I live near a Navy Station. There are two bases for the aircraft off the carriers. In the 70s there were complaints and bumper stickers against jet noise. I thought the advantages outweighed the noise. Now, 40 years later my son's house is between the two aircraft stations. I sit on the back porch and watch the jets thinking "I Appreciate Jet Noise"
That's awesome. I live near Northeast Philadelphia Airport, unfortunately not a military airbase but I love seeing and hearing the aircraft take off and land. We used to get A10's flying over from Willow Grove which was really cool but the "bean counters" closed it.
Lived in Jacksonville Florida. Hubby was at Cecil field. Now my two boys are in naval aviation in Virginia and I will always always love the sound of jets!!!
One more thing again great video. Was an AGE mechanic at Altus AFB MAC but had SAC 135s so us MAC guys took care of SAC AGE--gas turbine gen sets with bleed air system, SAC hydraulic fluid was petroleum based & C 5 & C 141 used fire retardent fluid, so SAC jacking manifolds & test stands used SAC fluid. I went to RED Flag 85 & flew 3 refuel missions-f4,f 15 f16.Not bad for an AGE guy. 16.Amazed at how 4 planes at once 1 above nose,1 each wing tip & 1 at the "pump"- boom. Laid in observation spot next to boom operator while refueling r4 got pic of fuel spray during disconnect while in slight banking turn.
Still an effective fighter from what I understand today, I remember seeing them arrive at Langley AFB Virginia when they were fairly new, myself and some buddies walked to the base and watched touch and goes all afternoon, security was more relaxed then so we could get on base on foot or bicycle, just gave a destination, usually the pool or for fishing, good ol days mid to late 70s.
My dad was assigned to Ramstein AB twice in the 80s. They had F4s and F16s there then. Loved watching them take off. We would sometimes go up to Sembach AB and see the Warthogs flying around.I served from 93-99. It truly is a great way of life.
One of the coolest things about the F-15's in Bitburg was when USAFE first deployed them over to Bitburg in '77 McDonnell Douglas brought a couple of test pilots over to show the F-15 at the Paris Air Show that summer. Part of that deal was they took two F-15's from Bitburg to do their demonstrations with, and then flew them back to Bitburg after the air show was over. Many of the videos being shown let you see the runway at Bitburg and how much the landscape gave you a great view of aircraft taking off and landing on the runway. So to show the airmen and pilots there how cool this aircraft really was, the test pilots gave Bitburg the same low level flight demonstration they flew in Paris! It was undoubtedly one of the best airshows I ever saw and left me forever believing the F-15 is and will be the best aircraft ever built. The sight of the test pilot bringing the F-15 into the approach to the runway with flaps and gear down, then literally standing the aircraft on its tail, tucking in the gear and flaps and then actually WALKING the aircraft down the runway with just the two Pratt and Whitney engines holding that machine in the air - unbelievable at the time. That sheer thrust to weight ratio of greater than one made it all possible. And then watching the test pilot actually WAVE out the cockpit at us as he walked the aircraft down the runway - something you just never forget! An amazing aircraft for sure!
Great video/film of the 80's and the F-15. The crew chief interaction with the pilot was great, you can tell he was an old crew dog who loved his jet. The pilot was a true professional also. Thanks for posting.
Anybody in the Air Force will tell you it's not the pilot's plane, it's the Crew Chief's plane; he's the one responsible for that plane being mission-capable from day to day, which is why Lt. Clausen joked about "not breaking the plane". A fighter pilot just gets the jet that's ready to go, he doesn't necessarily get the one with his name on it.
This is great. It brings back memories. I was stationed there from 77-79. East Germany would always test our response. Zulu Alert would always scramble to intercept them and they would run away. Cat and Mouse games were played frequently. They would come out and we had to chase them back. For those who have never had their freedom taken away. You have the gall to put this pilot down because of his ears. He would gladly lay his life so you can have yours. I was a crew chief, just like SSgt. Dew.
While on the ground you hardly realize just how big the F-15 is, till you walk the backbone and scan from wingtip to wingtip! Quote from an F-15 Capt, " The worst thing you'll ever see in your mirrors, is a Major on your tail flying an F-4 Phantom." Lights out!
my squadron VF-201 F-14 TOMCATS NAS DALLAS TX shot phoenix missles there in 1987 0R 88, my reg nav F-14 squadron VF-114 Aardvarks was at Tyndale back in 1981
@StringBolt - Actually, you are wrong. I saw that "R" during the filming and everybody thought it was funny, including the military. David Hoffman - filmmaker
Ciao David! I appreciate your words and I'm glad that you enjoyed the time spent with the pilots and airmen on the base. Back then it was different and (in my opinion) the military was much more involved in the community. Open days on the base, huge air shows and there was something always going on. But nothing lasts forever and todays world is much different and days such as these in the past are nothing but fond memories. It would be nice if you could do something similar for Spang.
WOW. I just watched the video where three pilot died. Right after takeoff and the passenger who had only Cessna experience. And had his family aboard - had to fly the plane in to Miami airport. Breath taking.
I caught the "R" someone on the ground crew taking a light jab at the pilot added to the end of his sir name!!! Good humor and relations between driver and GC.
Pilots rule! Nice video. The ground crew, air traffic, so important, vital. In 3 years of flying in the RAF, I NEVER saw ANYTHING less than 100%. And at night, we raised hell, with not a word EVER said! CAVU skies, people! (47 years in the reserve.)
Over Here, with the exception of Navy UDT/SEAL operators. We flew many small platoons on training missions, and some of those guys were practically hippies with their hair. Funny.
I miss working this A/C-TITE shop tech 80-85....spent some time in Bitburg and somehow actually knew this was made there before seeing the tail or hangars. I feel just like this guy...feel like a kid every time I see one fly.
He is wrong about "nothing can touch it" in context of early 80s. No doubt, F-15 was great and pride of the USAF. However, in the early 80s there was a king of fighters called the F-14 Tomcat "with the best radar AWG-9 in the world combined with AIM-54 that could attack 6 targets simultaneously and variable geometry wings that gave it ability to turn full 360 in only 19 seconds. "Anytime Baby" was created exactly for that. Late 'Hoser' Satrapa who took part in AIMEVAL/ACEVAL in 1981 would tell stories of exactly how F-14A vs F-15A played out. F-14A came out with a 2:1 advantage in BFM over the F-15A
My father was an F-15 pilot in the 80's , he use to tell me that they would own the tomcats when they would train at Red Flag, now the F-18 he said was another story it was an up and coming fighter plane back then but it was formidable to the F-15.
The F-14 has an advantage statistically but my father use to say its a big aircraft and and its disadvantage is in its ability to turn as quickly as the F-15. likewise the F-16 had that advantage over the F-15.
I was station on this base at the time this movie was made in the early 80's. Bitburg Air Base. 36th Tac Fighter Wing. The base has been closed for over 20 years.
I was lucky enough to see an official demonstration flight of an F-15 way back in, I think, 1976. It was like nothing I had ever seen before and to this day nothing has surpassed that experience. I would not want to be around if one of these things was looking for a fight. Simply awesome.
For those that care; I believe the black guy more than likely had a shaving waiver. It was probably due to a skin condition that afflicts many people of color. My good friend (a black guy) had one. Regular shaving aggravates the condition consequently they were not required to shave daily. I was stationed at Bitburg a number of years after this vid but remember well the Zulu alert Tab-Vees. They were down by the EOR near Redland (22TFS) as I recall. BTW great video and that pilot had awesome hair!
I had that problem when I was a teen. I am not black, so I had no break. But I have very sensitive skin. If I scratch my face a little, I get all types of rashes. I had no waiver in high school , fucking teachers made me shave all the time, that condition sucks
Salute! I saw an Eagle take off with full afterburner and go straight up, like in this video. Something to see. As a crew chief on the C-141b, I got to fly on them a couple times. With a TRT takeoff from brakes on, throttle quadrant balls to the wall, when the brakes were released, that big cargo plane jumped into the air. R.I.P. C-141. 😭
what a wonderful plane!! i miss my babies! now crewing the cutting edge, tip of the spear f-35A lightning II...personaly i prefer a dual engine fighter so i feel kind of out of place on the lightning...wish i could have crewed the raptor but my only way to for sure get to eglin coming out of korea was to crew the f-35...oh well im in a managerial spot now so i rarely get to turn a wrench or do any troubleshooting anyways,,,f-15 eagle holds a place in my heart!
How was the F-111 the best fighter jet ever built? It was huge, heavy, and worked alright for not much more than a fighter-bomber. A large range of aircraft outclass it.
F-15 is the best 4th gen, but might seem obsolete in front of China and Russia's 5th gen stealth fighters. Thats why we need more 5th gen fighters instead of upgrading F-15s
I have watched (several times) Navy F14 Tomcat (cleared for an unrestricted take off) reach 23k feet before they reach the end of the runway. Totally awesome as the thunder of the after burners makes the world shake.
I love to see those guys work together and know that they trust each other with their lives everyday! If we all lived like this in the world look what a great world it would be. No I am not a Democrat the opposite but skin colors do not matter to me period
I too, was stationed in Spangdahlem servicing the F-16's there from 2001 - 2003. Miss the the roar of all of the planes, and seeing the A-10's from the 81st there.
I remember these eagles gliding down toward the runway when I was stationed in West Germany at a HAWK missile base near Bitburg AB from 79-82. They literally glided like eagles in for a landing. They were the newest thing in the air and it was awesome to watch.
Question: I couldn’t help but notice the hand jewelry on the ground crewman that was strapping the pilot in. Is this normal? Having worked around gas turbines in an industrial capacity FOD was a real concern.
Good to hear from you, Neil. Understand how you feel about not getting any lines. Hope your life is going well. Would love to know what happened to everyone involved in the film. David Hoffman-filmmaker
Wow my old Base Bitburg! Was A Shop on F-15 Eagle Baker Squadron back in 81/83. Seen this and had a Flashback! Lol. When I seen Eagle inside of the Tabvee Harden Shelter, I thought that it might be Bitburg. Enjoyed going back to memory lane. God Bless and Protect You. 🙏
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"I promise not to break it for ya." Brings a tear to my eye when the pilot says that. He flies it, but it's the chief's plane, and he honors that.
Nice to show respect to the ground crew. They appreciate that and will always have your back.
limeykl,spent four years in the Air Force and only saw one pilot and ground crew that felt distain for each other.
David Hoffman- Thanks for this video. I was a contractor with Lockheed Support Systems 1983-1984, we modified all the F15s stationed in Europe, at Bitburg AB. My position was a Senior Technician, which meant that I had to checkout effected systems on the aircraft and deliver the aircraft back to it's unit with all systems working properly. Overload Warning System. It was the proudest jobs of my 40+ years working on airplanes. Wanted to work on them while I was in the USAF but worked on C141 & C5 instead. I spent 9 years working on the F16 program in my hometown Fort Worth Texas. F15 is a fantastic plane to work on, the best of all planes I worked on in my career!
I'm really interested in working in the aviation industry as a technician or mechanic. Do you have any advice for me?
@@shitoryu8 Air Force or Navy
shitoryu8 get your a&p or join the military and work for them
@@shitoryu8 Enlist in the USAF. The F15 will be around for many more years. The USAF is scheduled to purchase another 100 or so new F15s in the coming years. Job title for a crew chief is Tactical Aircraft Specialist. Tell your recruiter that you want a specific aircraft. F15, F16, A10 and probably F22 and F35 are all in the same career field. Use your time on active duty to gain experience and get your Airframe and Powerplant certification from the FAA. In the meantime, study hard in school and pay attention in science and shop class. ...and learn how to maintain your own vehicle. Self study is important. Good luck in your endeavors.
Hey Maddox, that's interesting piece of story there. I wonder what's your position on the F-16 program, which Block version you were involved ? Thank you
I was a Aircraft Crew Chief in the wing that flew and maintained the SR- 71 and U2 for four years. Like the Chief in this video I watched both take off and return in amazement each and everything time. I have been out for 27 years now but still miss it every day.
Really happy for you sir,you played a crucial role to the preparation of legents.Good afternoon from Greece!!!
To all the guys behind the scenes doing their jobs! Thank you for your service!
I was stationed at Bitburg AB from December 1975 to December 1977 as a weather observer. During this timeframe, they transitioned from the F-4 Phantoms to the F-15 Eagles. Bitburg was the first operational F-15 wing outside of the continental US. Those pilots were the cream of the crop. The Eagles were flown nonstop from the US and what a sight it was to witness their arrival at Bitburg! I never tired of watching them take off and land. Miss those days.
My first duty station, Langley AFB 1978 working on the F-15 among other aircraft. I love this plane. Next moved on to Nellis AFB and an airframe unknown to man. I was amazed when I saw it. Retired after 22 years of service.
My dad "Rocky Jones" was a U.S. fighter pilot in WWII and Korean War (FQ-390 "Mid Night Sinner" F-82G). After 14 yrs in U.S.A.F. he became a "test pilot" for Hughes Aircraft Co in Culver City, CA, and then in 1967 we moved to VA
(I was 7 y.o.) where he became an Asst. Manager in Hughes' Riverdale Plaza office, in Hampton, VA. Before an early retirement he was in charge of the F-15 Radar Development Program with Hughes that went to Bitburg Germany in the 80's, (I have a patch) where he earned his "Eagle Flyer" plaque as a passenger. It read they did give him "the stick" for a few minutes! Tragically he was killed in 1990 in a Formula-1 air race in TX from a mid-air collision by an "illegally participating active" NASA shuttle pilot. Dad was only 69, and I still miss him!
YES! I miss all of that but in my F-4 way back in the 60’s. That feeling is something you’ll never forget!
I love that someone has scrawled an "R" on the jet right at the end of Capt. Stone's name @1:19. Classic. Awesome clip.
The List Factory what does R mean in that context?
@@Barzins1 stoneR as in a druggie
Captain StoneR is a “high flyer”.
Barry Sabahat... Hi my name is Barry, and I live under that rock right there!
Good eye!
hats off the the ground crew they are a big part of the equation
Ground crews are your Buddies. Always be.
Highly underrated comment
The ground crew is what keeps them birds flying. My dad was a fighter pilot in the 50's & 60's. His tradition was to do the customary preflight check, then shake hands with the ground crew. The ground crew would render sharp hand salutes and dad would return it with a typical slouch fighter pilot salute. Quite the guy.
Erryking needs his slaves. Take care o ma bitch im boref
Pilots and technicians just the tip of the iceberg to get these beauties flying.
I can attest 40 years later those engines still haven’t quit
I hope he dont live up to his name....
There aren't to many if any -100/200s in service. But the 220s and 229s are still rockin
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Love it ! I was a line troubleshooter in a navy training squadron 4 yrs 2 yrs on the line ,every time one started up , goose bumps. Motor head to the end !
As someone who was privileged to be on one of the original maintenance prep teams for Bitburg when the F-15's first came over in '77, all these films give me a great sense of nostalgia. We prepped them at Langley, watched them take off, and then caught up to them in the revetments later that month. USAFE was one of the best commands I was assigned to and two of the best years of my life. I'm glad to see these films still surviving.
My dad "Rocky Jones" was a U.S. fighter pilot in WWII and Korean War (FQ-390 "Mid Night Sinner" F-82G). After 14 yrs in U.S.A.F. he became a "test pilot" for Hughes Aircraft Co in Culver City, CA, and then in 1967 we moved to VA
(I was 7 y.o.) where he became an Asst. Manager in Hughes' Riverdale Plaza office, in Hampton, VA. Before an early retirement he was in charge of the F-15 Radar Development Program with Hughes that went to Bitburg Germany in the 80's, (I have a patch) where he earned his "Eagle Flyer" plaque as a passenger. It read they did give him "the stick" for a few minutes! Tragically he was killed in 1990 in a Formula-1 air race in TX from a mid-air collision by an "illegally participating active" NASA shuttle pilot. Dad was only 69, and I still miss him!
Well, Well I was there in 77 also Army ADA.
"When your in the plane you can forget about all the other things like balancing your checkbook. lol. best line ever from a fighter pilot. well done!!
I remember seeing F-15's sorties every day over our house growing up my Dad was a Chief at Tyndall 325th. I loved going to work with him on swing shifts seeing Eagles in the hangar. Great memories of that aircraft.
In 1973, I was a 19 year-old college student who was very lucky to get a summer job at the McDonnell Aircraft plant at the St Louis airport. I was privileged to be assigned work on the very first blocks of what was then the brand new F-15 fighter. I am a bit astonished to have recently retired knowing that the F-15 that I worked on while in college is still flying.
The newest blocks of Strike Eagles might see 2050
How did you get your start in the aviation industry? What kind of study did you do? I'm really interested in that field and just looking for a little advice if you have a moment.
I give credit, for ground crew for all they do for the pilot's. Thank-You.👍👍
I had the pleasure of being stationed at nearby Spangdahlem as a crew chief on the F-16. Bitburg was a nice base but began to close in 1993. Today, businesses occupy the shelters and some of the buildings once inhabited by us Americans. The caserne side is mostly abandoned/empty.The F-15's came to Spangdahlem in about late 93/early 94. Beautiful aircraft. the 53rd FS had some great people in it (I was 23rd FS) Thank you Germany for the awesome experience and the people! I have been back to Spang area a few times and have German friends (old landlords) they're my other family. Germany rocks and I'm proud to call myself a USAF veteran and former crew chief on the F-16.
I was one of the original 200 "Eagle Keepers" at Robbins AFB. I loved this machine! Was amazing how fast it could get up to takeoff speed but yet fly do slow on landing approach. It looked like it jus hanging there hovering.
Thank you for your work. I’m fascinated by 20th century military history, especially the Cold War. The sheer size of allied forces in west Germany is mind blowing. Over 200,000 personnel! I truly wish I could find more footage like this. It’s hard to find good footage on west German US air bases.
Love the HGU-33 helmets - The REAL Fighter Pilot Look ....
@leadsolo ...actually, HGU-33/P has NEVER been used by USAF. Lots of infos leaking here and there were wrong in the past - models like the one seen in the video were the single visor HGU-2A/P variants up to late 1974; and from that on, the HGU-26 in single-visor configuration. USAF Technical Orders from 1975 onwards only do mention of HGU-26/P nomenclature.
The near-identical HGU-33/P and -34/P were only used by USN and USMC airmen; and, not even were operational before summer 1980.
I was in the Air Force got to see this just about every day, Live close to a Navy base now, Still will never get tired of that Sound! That Sound You Hear👂🏻THAT’S FREEDOM!! AMEN!!
This is what I always wanted to do since I was a kid. But life got in the way, you know? I once had an incredibly young flight instructor who told me that he'd been accepted as an Air Force fighter pilot trainee on F-15s. I've seen F-15s in action and they live up to the hype. They can accelerate vertically and have never lost an air-to-air combat mission.
Never give up though
The f-15 strike eagle is the best air to air combat fighter of our times 1,850 miles per hour and very agile too .
I hear ya. I wanted to do this badly too. I thought you had to be really really good at math (which I was not at all). But, looking back at a flying career, I'm glad I didn't. I came to value time with my family more than anything. I thought, well, maybe the airlines. But same thing: I get to go home every day to my family. I still have to go away for the army now and then, but it's gotten me to where I am today. I found the IT career field to be very very rewarding, and much more safe and stable than almost any other career field. I love the peace of mind knowing that if I lose my job (unlikely) that it wouldn't take long to get another cyber security role. It's amazing how our desires, and dreams, and plans can change. I'm happy with where I've been and where I am now. Sure, I always wonder what it'd be like to be up high looking down, and sitting in a 777 or 747 cockpit taking people where they need to be. But, I can't let it consume me with regret. I feel really good knowing what I do is much more important (maybe) and meaningful, and stable. As long as you provide for your family, and can help your kids realize their dreams earlier on than wait, and teach them good life lessons, that's something that counts. This life is only temporary. It's what's in heaven that matters because that is infinity.
Makes me proud and grateful to be an American.
Ars hole robot
You're great in America, WOW!
Captain Stone if you see this comment " Thank You for Your Service " from an Air Force Veteran . I salute you Sir . Also same at ya to the Crew Chief .
GOD am I getting old. This guy looks like he's not old enough to drive.
rojo kni , we all looked like that back when! In 66, 67 & 68 while I flew F4 Phantoms in The Corps I recently found a pic of me in my flight gear squatting in front of my bird in DaNang. Shit, I did look a bit older than this First Louie though
He needs flying lessons from alien pliots.
William Percival New Zealand Gardenia Band 🇨🇰 Kia Orana
The young ones fight our wars. Like me in 1969.
notatechie, yes, I was one of them in 1965!
my kid is 30 and I think he and his friends will do the USA proud.
As a former airline pilot, over the years I got to see some pretty cool stuff. Early one morning I got to see two F-15s sparring, out in the practice area, South of Tyndall AFB. It's hard to wrap your head around having that much power on tap. That sight totally changed my concept of energy management. WOW!
Kraals talk about power, it’s when you’re at landing weight and have to do a wave-off and you go at the speed of heat that you know what raw power is. At that point you’re better than 1 to 1 weight to thrust ratio. That’ll stuff your nads in your back pockets!
America is proud of the pilots,an all the crew.thanks for your service an stratagy.
Such a Legendary Aircraft . My Dad was a Wing Commander before retirement and I got to go for a ride once in the early 90s. I was active duty Army but wasnt about to pass that opportunity up. And Wow does the F-15 accelerate . Ive flown lots of fixed wing Aircraft over the years ( civilian private Aircraft ) . All piston driven and some piston driven aircraft pull pretty good but there is nothing like the the moment the landing gear retracts and the driver suddenly snaps it verticle for 5,000 ft straight up at 600 + mph. Its unbelievably powerful . The aircraft even headed straight up continues to accelerate like it weighs nothing . It just gets with it plain & simple.
"The Wing" a great film by Pratt and Whitney. The lieutenant was Clausen. "Claw". I used to have a copy of this film. Clausen was a personal friend and told me that he couldn't believe he actually got paid to fly Eagles. My years at Bitburg were awesome. The 36th Fighter Wing sat Zulu Alert when I was there with 4 primes and 4 alternates. One Friday afternoon we launched all 4 primes real world. I got a call from branch to implement check sheet xx and they hung up. I looked at my war sheets and they said recall all personnel, generate all aircraft, full war configuration. All personnel report to war duty locations.....it was tense with only the sounds of jammers screaming and maintenance trucks running like mad. After a couple hours I heard jets incoming and watched our birds touch down and we were counting stations to see if we had all missiles. Then phone rang and said stand down and everyone was released to go home after securing the line. Next week found out that we and all other NATO interceptors were scrambled to meet 400 fighters flying toward the W German border from USSR. Work was hard and we played harder.
Thank you for your comment. You are correct on all fronts except the film was made with the grant to me from United Technologies, the company that owned Pratt and Whitney as you may remember. Clausen was a terrific person as were so many that I met there. Maybe you were one of them.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
missionplatinum and.
missionplatinum k
I love the 70's -80's music in the background. The world seemed like a much better place then..
PJ Neslo it was.
This base had almost 80 of these planes with only the air to air mission to fight during the cold war. Making it the best fighter base in the world one could be assigned to. In addition it also has a huge brewery next door. Bitte en Bit.
No wonder he had a tuff time balancing check book :)
Hard to believe Bitburg is gone!
Bitburg and spangdahlem AIr bases are a special place in my heart. Loved my time in the eifel. If only i could go back to that time in my life. Really loved the german people
I thought this pilot's right shoulder patch looked familiar; I was stationed at Bitburg during mid-70s, AFSC 81150A (K-9 Security); far as I know, we never lost (by theft) aircraft or special ordnance during that time.
Loving the ‘R’ written in pen next to STONE, non regulation procedure I’m sure 😅
I was an F-100 and F-4 mechanic. When I first got on flight status and was TDY in Florida, was sitting in a bar with the pilot and rest of our small group. The pilot ask if I wanted to fly in the morning with him (F model F-100 2 seats). I hadn't flown yet so hemmed and hawed a bit. He said "Let's see. You work on my plane but don't want to fly in it?" I said "I'll see you suited up in the morning!" Lead to a lot of fun time.
I was at The Air Force base in Little Rock for a week playing in band at the office's club and met a couple of piolts who invited us out to the airfield to checkout their planes the net morning.
When it was time to take off they did this very same maneuver. They lifted off the ground in no time at all, put up their landing gear, pointed the nose up and "popped the clutch!" they disappeard within seconds! Just about the coolest thing I've ever seen.
Thanks to all that make this happen every day, not just at air shows. Salute.
He was young but one of the best guys you could meet. I think he was 25 but he was a 1lt and a graduate of the Zoo! I am glad he was my friend. He used to tell me he couldn't believe he actually got paid to fly F-15's. He would say don't tell anyone I would fly for free. F-15 mantra was air to air and not a pound for air to ground. These jets were true Eagles!
Stumbled upon this video and your comment. Thanks for sharing your story. Is he still alive?
Special, gifted,chosen people were put here to do and accomplish special things...JAH BLESS AMERICA
You go boys! WE'RE PROUD OF YOU!
steve hale Steve.....Shadap !!
Proud of every single airman in this video! Go AIR FORCE!!!🇱🇷
Thank you for your comment. It was an extraordinary experience to be on the base not only with the pilots but with everyone involved in making the Bitburg Air Force community so extraordinarily tight and caring.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
David Hoffman waw
Saw shoulder patch and said 36 TFW Bitburg AB. Was there from 77-80 just before changeover from the F4 was complete. Missed that base.
Hi I'm from Singapore one of the airforce which operate F-15 Eagle beside Japan,South Korea and Saudi Arabia our Republic of Singapore Airforce (RSAF) took delivery our brand new first batch of F-15SG base on F-15E version in 2005 and our F-15SG pilots and ground crew were trained at Mountain Home Airforce base in US.Tail code "MO" after training all will send back to Singapore for daily operation the cockpit for F-15SG all the main flight instrument control were all touch screen it can carry wide variety of ordnance from Air to Ground and Air to Air and it carry advance laser targeting pod and sensor with Conformal Fuel Tank (CFT).Our Sqn operate the F-15SG from Paya Lebar Air Base
This was a little before my time but damn I remember my days in the 22 and 53 AMU at Bitburg (1990-1994). It was an awesome assignment. 462’s rock.
CPT Stone(r), looks like the crew chief had a sense of humor.
good eye I didn't see that at first
Probably his call sign.
I photographed a F14 Tomcat doing a wing forward afterburner 180 over Port Hueneme in California that set off car alarms for miles. And I thought TopFuel Funny Cars were loud. Sounds kinda like a Space Shuttle launch. I’ll never forget that day some 30+ years ago.
I live near a Navy Station. There are two bases for the aircraft off the carriers. In the 70s there were complaints and bumper stickers against jet noise. I thought the advantages outweighed the noise. Now, 40 years later my son's house is between the two aircraft stations. I sit on the back porch and watch the jets thinking "I Appreciate Jet Noise"
Virginia beach? Grew up in landstown meadows. I miss the farmer's market
That's awesome. I live near Northeast Philadelphia Airport, unfortunately not a military airbase but I love seeing and hearing the aircraft take off and land. We used to get A10's flying over from Willow Grove which was really cool but the "bean counters" closed it.
Lived in Jacksonville Florida. Hubby was at Cecil field. Now my two boys are in naval aviation in Virginia and I will always always love the sound of jets!!!
I was a 462 on the F-15 at Holloman 49th AGS/ 8th AMU in the early 80s. I loved and miss that thunder on takeoff.
Ted Harvick 462 here Langley 71st AGS 77-81 I sure do miss the flightline.
I was POL at Holloman in the early 80's. Loved doing hotpits on the 15"s.
Routine is a very boring thing but without it it loses its life. Thanks Mr. Stone and Mr. David.
One more thing again great video. Was an AGE mechanic at Altus AFB MAC but had SAC 135s so us MAC guys took care of SAC AGE--gas turbine gen sets with bleed air system, SAC hydraulic fluid was petroleum based & C 5 & C 141 used fire retardent fluid, so SAC jacking manifolds & test stands used SAC fluid. I went to RED Flag 85 & flew 3 refuel missions-f4,f 15 f16.Not bad for an AGE guy. 16.Amazed at how 4 planes at once 1 above nose,1 each wing tip & 1 at the "pump"- boom. Laid in observation spot next to boom operator while refueling r4 got pic of fuel spray during disconnect while in slight banking turn.
Still an effective fighter from what I understand today, I remember seeing them arrive at Langley AFB Virginia when they were fairly new, myself and some buddies walked to the base and watched touch and goes all afternoon, security was more relaxed then so we could get on base on foot or bicycle, just gave a destination, usually the pool or for fishing, good ol days mid to late 70s.
My dad was assigned to Ramstein AB twice in the 80s. They had F4s and F16s there then. Loved watching them take off. We would sometimes go up to Sembach AB and see the Warthogs flying around.I served from 93-99. It truly is a great way of life.
What a beautiful bird the F-15 Eagle is
I can attest to this as I was allowed to be stationed at Bitburg AB when they arrived in 1977... wow.... 43 years ago and counting.
1:23 "PILOT CAPT STONER"
We had a Captain Funk at Basic in the A.F. AND a recruit with the same last name. He was given lots of crap for it too.
PAGAN FIRE Annnnnd, I sure do understand the ribbing that went on,. That's a Yes Sir re, write the hope, no argument there.
Derek Scott LOL
One of the coolest things about the F-15's in Bitburg was when USAFE first deployed them over to Bitburg in '77 McDonnell Douglas brought a couple of test pilots over to show the F-15 at the Paris Air Show that summer. Part of that deal was they took two F-15's from Bitburg to do their demonstrations with, and then flew them back to Bitburg after the air show was over. Many of the videos being shown let you see the runway at Bitburg and how much the landscape gave you a great view of aircraft taking off and landing on the runway. So to show the airmen and pilots there how cool this aircraft really was, the test pilots gave Bitburg the same low level flight demonstration they flew in Paris! It was undoubtedly one of the best airshows I ever saw and left me forever believing the F-15 is and will be the best aircraft ever built. The sight of the test pilot bringing the F-15 into the approach to the runway with flaps and gear down, then literally standing the aircraft on its tail, tucking in the gear and flaps and then actually WALKING the aircraft down the runway with just the two Pratt and Whitney engines holding that machine in the air - unbelievable at the time. That sheer thrust to weight ratio of greater than one made it all possible. And then watching the test pilot actually WAVE out the cockpit at us as he walked the aircraft down the runway - something you just never forget! An amazing aircraft for sure!
Great video/film of the 80's and the F-15. The crew chief interaction with the pilot was great, you can tell he was an old crew dog who loved his jet. The pilot was a true professional also. Thanks for posting.
Anybody in the Air Force will tell you it's not the pilot's plane, it's the Crew Chief's plane; he's the one responsible for that plane being mission-capable from day to day, which is why Lt. Clausen joked about "not breaking the plane". A fighter pilot just gets the jet that's ready to go, he doesn't necessarily get the one with his name on it.
This is great. It brings back memories. I was stationed there from 77-79. East Germany would always test our response. Zulu Alert would always scramble to intercept them and they would run away. Cat and Mouse games were played frequently. They would come out and we had to chase them back. For those who have never had their freedom taken away. You have the gall to put this pilot down because of his ears. He would gladly lay his life so you can have yours. I was a crew chief, just like SSgt. Dew.
While on the ground you hardly realize just how big the F-15 is, till you walk the backbone and scan from wingtip to wingtip! Quote from an F-15 Capt, " The worst thing you'll ever see in your mirrors, is a Major on your tail flying an F-4 Phantom." Lights out!
Bitburg AFB! My son was born there is 1988! Beautiful country!
All that prep and no weapons?
I was ATC at Tyndall AFB from ‘88-‘93.
Best job in the World.
my squadron VF-201 F-14 TOMCATS NAS DALLAS TX shot phoenix missles there in 1987 0R 88, my reg nav F-14 squadron VF-114 Aardvarks was at Tyndale back in 1981
We worked the AAS at Bit from '83-89, never got tired of watching those guys especially when the pilots would hang the nose as long as they could!!!
I love the fact that the F-15 can go from take off to 60,000ft in 60 seconds. Quite an achievement!!!
Who thinks they should have kept these in service as opposed to 1 trillion doller F35?
WHAT AN AWESOME SIGHT TO SEE THESE PLANES TAKE OFF.
Must be in the early 80s. The pilot's jacket(MA-1), helmat, the F-15C stationed Bitburg Air Base in Germany which is presumed 22nd TFS.
I grew up less than 5 miles away from Tyndall air base, i enjoyed watching these planes take off every day!
@StringBolt - Actually, you are wrong. I saw that "R" during the filming and everybody thought it was funny, including the military.
David Hoffman - filmmaker
David Hoffman need an assistant?
istolit • 10 years ago i think he doesent
Thanks for the giggle, Mr. Hoffman... truly LOL funny... 😂
LILTAGLIAGOLE no
Geesh the F15 then was so impressive. ., even today irs still such an epic capable aircraft.
Ciao David! I appreciate your words and I'm glad that you enjoyed the time spent with the pilots and airmen on the base. Back then it was different and (in my opinion) the military was much more involved in the community. Open days on the base, huge air shows and there was something always going on. But nothing lasts forever and todays world is much different and days such as these in the past are nothing but fond memories. It would be nice if you could do something similar for Spang.
WOW. I just watched the video where three pilot died. Right after takeoff and the passenger who had only Cessna experience. And had his family aboard - had to fly the plane in to Miami airport. Breath taking.
I caught the "R" someone on the ground crew taking a light jab at the pilot added to the end of his sir name!!! Good humor and relations between driver and GC.
It had Captain Stoner stenciled in black paint on the outside of his cockpit. Perhaps that is his name or at very least, nickname.
I used to work about 10 miles from Otis AFB in Hyannis, MA. I could clearly hear the F-15's engines in burner as they took off.
Damn those F-15’s are hot
A masterpiece of a video, at first I tried to check the realease date, but this goes back beyond 2005.
Still, the best fighter in the world!!
gnarly Harley nope
attitudes like those expressed by the ground troops and pilot are what helped turn the AF around during this time period.
The pilot even has his ears pinned back for more aerodynamics
Myra Eden ...easy there Myra
Does it matter he is a brave young man, who risks his life for his country, oh how did your face lift go.
Pilots rule! Nice video. The ground crew, air traffic, so important, vital. In 3 years of flying in the RAF, I NEVER saw ANYTHING less than 100%. And at night, we raised hell, with not a word EVER said! CAVU skies, people! (47 years in the reserve.)
Geezous- he looks like only 16 years old!!!!
18 even.
As my wife would say "Does his Mum know he's out alone?"
He needs flying lessons from alien pliots.
William Percival New Zealand Gardenia Band 🇨🇰 Kia Orana
I guess 23 or 24.
You stay young when you can frequently light those candles!
Flying an F15 in the 1980’s.
Paradise.
The Air Force always has a great level of professionalism.
They do but boys will be boys. Did you notice that someone added an 'r' to his name "Stone" on the side of his plane?
Over Here, with the exception of Navy UDT/SEAL operators. We flew many small platoons on training missions, and some of those guys were practically hippies with their hair. Funny.
I miss working this A/C-TITE shop tech 80-85....spent some time in Bitburg and somehow actually knew this was made there before seeing the tail or hangars. I feel just like this guy...feel like a kid every time I see one fly.
He is wrong about "nothing can touch it" in context of early 80s. No doubt, F-15 was great and pride of the USAF. However, in the early 80s there was a king of fighters called the F-14 Tomcat "with the best radar AWG-9 in the world combined with AIM-54 that could attack 6 targets simultaneously and variable geometry wings that gave it ability to turn full 360 in only 19 seconds. "Anytime Baby" was created exactly for that. Late 'Hoser' Satrapa who took part in AIMEVAL/ACEVAL in 1981 would tell stories of exactly how F-14A vs F-15A played out. F-14A came out with a 2:1 advantage in BFM over the F-15A
My father was an F-15 pilot in the 80's , he use to tell me that they would own the tomcats when they would train at Red Flag, now the F-18 he said was another story it was an up and coming fighter plane back then but it was formidable to the F-15.
The F-14 has an advantage statistically but my father use to say its a big aircraft and and its disadvantage is in its ability to turn as quickly as the F-15. likewise the F-16 had that advantage over the F-15.
I was station on this base at the time this movie was made in the early 80's. Bitburg Air Base. 36th Tac Fighter Wing. The base has been closed for over 20 years.
I was stationed there in 83. Do you remember when this was made?
FANTASTIC!
lilred00051 uuuu
I was lucky enough to see an official demonstration flight of an F-15 way back in, I think, 1976. It was like nothing I had ever seen before and to this day nothing has surpassed that experience. I would not want to be around if one of these things was looking for a fight. Simply awesome.
For those that care; I believe the black guy more than likely had a shaving waiver. It was probably due to a skin condition that afflicts many people of color. My good friend (a black guy) had one. Regular shaving aggravates the condition consequently they were not required to shave daily. I was stationed at Bitburg a number of years after this vid but remember well the Zulu alert Tab-Vees. They were down by the EOR near Redland (22TFS) as I recall. BTW great video and that pilot had awesome hair!
pseudofolliculitis barbae is the medical term. Yes it's for real. Yes you get a shaving waiver.
I had that problem when I was a teen. I am not black, so I had no break. But I have very sensitive skin. If I scratch my face a little, I get all types of rashes.
I had no waiver in high school , fucking teachers made me shave all the time, that condition sucks
I didn't know Opie became a pilot. Andy would be proud.
great pilot and crew, I see Ritchie Cunningham with bigger ears no disrespect at all
Salute!
I saw an Eagle take off with full afterburner and go straight up, like in this video. Something to see. As a crew chief on the C-141b, I got to fly on them a couple times. With a TRT takeoff from brakes on, throttle quadrant balls to the wall, when the brakes were released, that big cargo plane jumped into the air.
R.I.P. C-141. 😭
what a wonderful plane!! i miss my babies! now crewing the cutting edge, tip of the spear f-35A lightning II...personaly i prefer a dual engine fighter so i feel kind of out of place on the lightning...wish i could have crewed the raptor but my only way to for sure get to eglin coming out of korea was to crew the f-35...oh well im in a managerial spot now so i rarely get to turn a wrench or do any troubleshooting anyways,,,f-15 eagle holds a place in my heart!
Every Wednesday I get to see the f15 eagles take off from westover air base in Massachusetts! Its always an amazing sight!
The best fighter jet ever built.
Misspelled F-15
How was the F-111 the best fighter jet ever built? It was huge, heavy, and worked alright for not much more than a fighter-bomber. A large range of aircraft outclass it.
dbltrplx bwahahaha! Good troll!
The Air Force hasn't bought any F-15SE's yet, you probably mean the vanilla F-15E.
F-15 is the best 4th gen, but might seem obsolete in front of China and Russia's 5th gen stealth fighters. Thats why we need more 5th gen fighters instead of upgrading F-15s
I have watched (several times) Navy F14 Tomcat (cleared for an unrestricted take off) reach 23k feet before they reach the end of the runway. Totally awesome as the thunder of the after burners makes the world shake.
I love to see those guys work together and know that they trust each other with their lives everyday! If we all lived like this in the world look what a great world it would be. No I am not a Democrat the opposite but skin colors do not matter to me period
Fuck
I too, was stationed in Spangdahlem servicing the F-16's there from 2001 - 2003. Miss the the roar of all of the planes, and seeing the A-10's from the 81st there.
I was in the Big 22, aircrew life support on the flight line. I lived in the maintenence dorms accross the street from Popeye's.
Like an Monogram F-15 EAGLE !
I remember these eagles gliding down toward the runway when I was stationed in West Germany at a HAWK missile base near Bitburg AB from 79-82. They literally glided like eagles in for a landing. They were the newest thing in the air and it was awesome to watch.
Question: I couldn’t help but notice the hand jewelry on the ground crewman that was strapping the pilot in. Is this normal? Having worked around gas turbines in an industrial capacity FOD was a real concern.
I love the cheeky penciled-in R after "Stone" hahaha
Good to hear from you, Neil. Understand how you feel about not getting any lines. Hope your life is going well. Would love to know what happened to everyone involved in the film.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
Wow my old Base Bitburg! Was A Shop on F-15 Eagle Baker Squadron back in 81/83. Seen this and had a Flashback! Lol. When I seen Eagle inside of the Tabvee Harden Shelter, I thought that it might be Bitburg.
Enjoyed going back to memory lane. God Bless and Protect You. 🙏