Sun, Jan 14, 2007
119th Fighter Wing Transitioning From F-16
The 'Happy Hooligans' of the 119th Fighter Wing based in Fargo,
ND received their first C-21 aircraft January 10. The aircraft
marks the unit's transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon, to the
C-21 and MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle.
"The Happy Hooligans have proven themselves as the best of the
best in every mission they have been assigned," North Dakota
Governor John Hoeven said. "The C-21 mission along with the new
Predator mission will ensure that the North Dakota Air National
Guard continues to play a vital role in the security of our state
and nation."
"The 119th Fighter Wing will receive a total of eight C-21
aircraft and will be experiencing the largest transformation in
their 60-year history," said Army Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk,
the state's National Guard adjutant general. "Personnel have been
training diligently for the past year to ensure that they are
prepared for these new missions that will ensure that our Air
National Guard remains relevant and vital to the defense of the
nation."
"The Happy Hooligans
have prepared for the C-21 by having trained pilots and maintenance
personnel ready to work on these aircraft," said Col. Robert
Becklund, 119th Fighter Wing commander. "I am confident that we
will continue to perform with the high standards and impressive
work ethic that the Hooligans are already well-known for in the
fighter community."
The C-21 aircraft is considered a "bridge mission" until
approximately 2010, when it is expected to be replaced by the new
joint cargo aircraft.
UAV operations are expected to begin at the Fargo base around
March 2007. North Dakota will be one of five states where Air Guard
units will operate the unmanned aerial vehicles; others are Texas,
California, Arizona and New York.
(Aero-News salutes 1st Lt. Penny Ripperger, North Dakota Air
National Guard)
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