F-14 to F-15

[HackerF15E]

The E-model did replace the F-111F, however the E model is dual-role. The F-111 training syllabus didn't have a strong background in Air to Air, so those that didn't previously have F-4 or F-15A/C time had some difficulty adapting to the air to air environment - or so it's been said. The initial batch of E-model pilots and WSOs were from E/F-111Fs, F-15A/C, and F-4 communities.

In my first Squadron in the late 90s, there were still numerous O-3s and up who'd been prior Phantom and Vark guys. You always knew that a former Phantom guy was gonna be average on the range while the 111 guy was gonna steal your milk money, and that in the 4-v-16 OCA vul the former Phantom flight lead was gonna rock and the former 111 guy probably wasn't.

 

[Uncle Fester]

In my first Squadron in the late 90s, there were still numerous O-3s and up who'd been prior Phantom and Vark guys. You always knew that a former Phantom guy was gonna be average on the range while the 111 guy was gonna steal your milk money, and that in the 4-v-16 OCA vul the former Phantom flight lead was gonna rock and the former 111 guy probably wasn't.

I would've thought by the late '90's the only USAF F-4s left for an 8-to-10-year Captain to come from were the Weasels. Did they do a lot of A-A employment?

 

[jmcquate]

only USAF F-4s left for an 8-to-10-year Captain to come from were the Weasels

and the Recces.

 

[HackerF15E]

I would've thought by the late '90's the only USAF F-4s left for an 8-to-10-year Captain to come from were the Weasels. Did they do a lot of A-A employment?

Who said they were 8-to-10-year Captains? Plenty of old passed-over bastards in the mix, but most of them were O-4s and O-5s.

My back seater in basic upgrade was a former RF-4 'pitter who'd been awarded a DFC in Desert Storm and even an ejection out over the Gulf.

 

[Uncle Fester]

Who said they were 8-to-10-year Captains? Plenty of old passed-over bastards in the mix, but most of them were O-4s and O-5s.

My back seater in basic upgrade was a former RF-4 'pitter who'd been awarded a DFC in Desert Storm and even an ejection out over the Gulf.

Cool beans. I don't know much of anything about the Double Ugly's twilight years, though I briefly worked with a guy who was a Weasel WSO in Desert Storm.

 

[HuggyU2]

I would've thought by the late '90's the only USAF F-4s left for an 8-to-10-year Captain to come from were the Weasels.

Keep in mind the 20th Fighter Squadron at Holloman flew the F-4 until 2004ish. Although supporting the Luftwaffe, there were a number of USAF pilots/WSO's still flying there.

 

[Uncle Fester]

Keep in mind the 20th Fighter Squadron at Holloman flew the F-4 until 2004ish. Although supporting the Luftwaffe, there were a number of USAF pilots/WSO's still flying there.

I did not know that. Knowledges acquired.