Lajes (Azores) (LPLA/TER) 2008

[sentinel]

I can confirm that F-15Es c/s MAZDA 11-15, MAZDA 21-25 and MAZDA 31-34 deployed to OTBH with the support of tankers c/s GOLD 61, 62 GOLD 71, 72 and GOLD 81, 82.

No serials for the LN Eagles but thanks to a colleague I can confirm the SBS serials for the tankers as follows:

GOLD 61 KC-10A 85-0027 LEMO-OTBH
GOLD 62 KC-135R 57-1473 ETAR-LICZ
GOLD 71 KC-10A 84-0198 LEMO-OTBH
GOLD 72 KC-135R 57-1488 ETAR-LICZ
GOLD 81 KC-10A 85-0032 LEMO-LICZ
GOLD 82 KC-135R 62-3506 ETAR-LICZ

Strange how the tanker support originated from Ramstein - it would normally be Mildenhall for the USAFE units.

[sentinel]

Has anyone heard of a deployment of F-15s going eastbound through Lajes in the next couple of days?

[sentinel]

6 F-15 Eagles could be on their way to Lajes in the next couple of days. I don't have any more details I'm afraid. Any confirmations and unit idents welcome.

[thunderboypt]

Next days 06 and 07 Lajes will receive fighters, I saw that on the NOTAMS. I have already gave yours and my info to the spotters there.

Kind Regards,
Leandro Rocha.

[J.J.]

Thanks for your LN F-15E info, sentinel!

The F-15E Strike Eagles of the 494th EFS from RAF Lakenheath finally arrived at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, to replace the 335th EFS for USAF´s upcoming AEF 3/4 (Cycle 7) rotation (May - August 2008). On their way back home to Seymour Johnson AFB the 335th EFS probably will make a stopover at Moron AB, Spain. For the 494th EFS deployment check the first online news article: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?sect ... icle=54570" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[thunderboypt]

Hi all,

Today Lajes received 6 F-15's (F-15C's from 390th FS)
I'm waiting for the serials...

Kind Regards,
Leandro Rocha.

[Dutchmil]

Hi all,

Today Lajes received 6 F-15's (F-15C's from 390th FS)

Six more are due tomorrow .....

Hope this helps,


RH.

[Oscar01]

Any word on the A-10s that were due to dep US today to Lajes?

Oscar

[thunderboypt]

The F-15's from yesterday:

86-0177/MO
86-0148/MO
86-0143/MO
86-0145/MO
85-0127/MO
86-0162/MO

3 Kc-135's were seen arriving at Lajes 1,5 hours before the F-15's soo I guess they were not the support and after the F-15's no tankers were seen arriving.
For today Lajes is waiting for A-10's and something else that I dont konw yet for sure what is...


Best Regards,
Leandro Rocha.

[Oscar01]

Polish F-16s on delivery were due in today at Lajes, but are on 24hr delay. Now tomorrow to Lajes, and then on to Poland on Friday.

Don't know if there are 2 or 4 expected.

Cheers,
Oscar

[Dutchmil]

Any word on the A-10s that were due to dep US today to Lajes?

They were delayed today, and are now re-scheduled for tomorrow.

The 335FS Eagles returned this evening to Seymour Johnson AFB as Mazda 41-45, Mazda 51-55 and Mazda 61 flight.

Hope this helps,


René.

[thunderboypt]

Hi all,

The serials from the delivery flight to Poland Air Force (they arrived yesterday 07-May-2008):

F-16C's:
4067
4068
4069
4087

Spport:
Kc-10A, 79-1713.

Best Regards,
Leandro Rocha.

[J.J.]

The 335FS Eagles returned this evening to Seymour Johnson AFB as Mazda 41-45, Mazda 51-55 and Mazda 61 flight.

That are only eleven aircraft, René! And I´m surprised that Mazda 61 returned as a single-ship. At least in my eyes, twelve aircraft were deployed (as a mix of jets from the 335th FS and the 336th FS).

And according to a caption in a brand-new photo essay “Welcome home Chiefs” on Seymour Johnson´s public website ("The jets have been deployed for eight months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom."), there was really no swap of aircraft as the 335th EFS replaced the 336th EFS. But as documented by released USAF photos, during this deployment at least some of the jets changed their finband colors. See: http://www.seymourjohnson.af.mil/news/s ... =123097881" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Meanwhile, the 335th EFS was replaced at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, by the 494th EFS from RAF Lakenheath. First aircraft identified as deployed by USAF photo is 91-0335 from the 494th FS. See: http://www.bagram.afnews.af.mil/shared/ ... 8L-016.JPG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Banter]

J.J I think what Rene means about MAZDA61 flight is that they did not call on the radio as 61-65 . So he has not assumed but advised on how he heard it.

Hope this helps

[thunderboypt]

Hi All!!!,

Today Lajes received more 12 A-10's and 2 support aircraft Kc-10's.
The Polish F-16's departed today at noon, and the F-15's will wakeup 1/5 of Terceira Island this night because they will depart at 0400Zulo hehehehe.
I will post he serials of the A-10's as soon as I get them.

King Regards,
Leandro Rocha.