Deployment

Our squadron is heading off to Iraq for an AEF (Air Expeditionary Force) deployment. We'll be flying combat missions--primarily CAS (close air support) for ground forces operating in the country. For the last few weeks we've been training for this deployment--studying the threats, our tactics and learning the ROE's (rules of engagement).
This will be my first real combat deployment. However, we've got many experienced pilots in the squadron who have seen it all. Our living conditions will be a slight downgrade from my house here in the Italian mountains! When I'm not flying I plan on exercising, studying Italian (let's hope) and polishing my flying skills in preparation for the flight lead upgrade when I return.
I'll try to keep posting with current news, etc when I get there.
Ciao for now!
Ed

Location of Balad Air Base

boat adrift in baltic waters

baltic black and white

Castle in an outlying town

The sea viewed from the beach of Jurmala--ice still present in April

Baltic Odyssey

Last week my friend George "Trigger" Wyse and I flew to Riga, Latvia for a 4 day trip. We found a good airfare and booked the tickets knowing very little about the country or the main city, Riga. The trip turned out to be a great time. Latvia, a former communist country, is rich in history and culture. I was initially surprised at how cold it still was in April. We took a trip down to the beach town of "Jurmala" and found small icebergs still floating in the sea. The old town of Riga was beautiful--lots of winding cobblestone streets and interesting shops and restaurants. We stayed in the Hotel Latvia, which overlooked the entire city. We also visited museums and some ancient castles in the outlying towns. The people were friendly and were sometimes shocked to hear that we were Americans. Food was traditional and quite hearty. Next time I would like to visit the neighboring countries of Estonia and Lithuania. Apparently, they are just as interesting as Latvia.

Hungarian Mig29 pilot and yours truly

Mig 29s in Hungary

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to get a chance to fly against a famous adversary of the F-16--the Russian built Mig 29 Fulcrum. Many countries in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc have these awesome jets. Hungary is one of them and an agreement was struck to allow F-16's from Aviano to fly to Hungary and have training engagements with them.
My flight lead, "Trigger" and I were the first to go. We took off from Aviano and flew to Hungary and intercepted the Fulcrums near the border. Then we split off--one F-16 with one Fulcrum. We fought basic dogfights and returned to land at their base. We were greeted by dozens of people with cameras and a reporter from an aviation magazine. We had a quick lunch and then briefed up another sortie. This was really juicy: 2 F-16's versus 4 Mig 29s and 2 L-39s. This was a great mission and we really enjoyed it.
I was impressed with the power and maneuverability of the Mig 29. However, our jet's awesome performance combined with our training proves that the U.S. definitely has it's act together when it comes to flying fighters.