FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif -- A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter jet assigned to the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing has made some passes and garnered attention on the internet recently, after debuting its American flag themed paint scheme during functional test flight Oct. 21, 2022.
The plane will fly standard training missions on a regular basis, after the November 2022 regularly scheduled drill weekend. As part of the new paint scheme, the signatures of the members of the 144th FW will be on the inside surface of the vertical stabilizers.
During the design phase, members of the 144th Maintenance Squadron Structural shop requested to allow other base personnel to sign the jet by 144th FW leadership.
Staff Sgt. Vincent Parrino, 144th MXS Structural shop craftsman, said they wanted to give the opportunity to other members of the base to be a part of the project. The request was sent through their chain of command and was approved.
“It’s all about One Team, One Fight,” Tech. Sgt. Joshua Canfield, 144th MXS Structural shop craftsman, added.
The paint-scheme highlights the legacy of not just the men and women of the 144th FW, but also the U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Air Force celebrated its 75th anniversary on Sept. 18, 2022. Around the same time, Aircraft 85-113 also reached 10,000 flight hours. Because of this accomplishment, this plane was selected to receive the paint scheme to commemorate the milestone.
The aircraft also dons the Air Force anniversary insignia, the 144th FW’s patch and the California State Guard shield.
Aircraft 85-113 proudly represents the American flag, and its symbolism encapsulates more than American pride, but the Wing’s dedication to the mission and its people. It flies over the United States as a testament to the unit’s teamwork and excellence.