Lucky number 13 graduate from class 07-ABC

  • Published
  • By Lt Col. Douglas Miller
  • 61st Fighter Squadron commander
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Saturday, thirteen of the U.S. Air Forces' newest Viper pilots will culminate seven months of demanding training and receive their graduation certificates. 

Class 07-ABC from the 61st Fighter Squadron "Top Dogs" will join the ranks of a select group of aviators fortunate enough to fly the F-16. They did not achieve this goal on their own; it required the combined efforts of the Top Dog instructor pilot corps and support  personnel, academic instructors from the 56th Training Squadron, mission-ready aircraft provided by the men and women of the 61st  Aircraft Maintenance Unit, the Luke airfield operated by the 56th Operations Support Squadron and supported by the 56th Mission Support Group and 56 Medical Group. 

Class 07-ABC began training Oct. 27, 2006. They spent more than a month in academics learning aircraft  systems and emergency procedures. This academic knowledge was put to the test during numerous simulations, where the students demonstrated the ability to apply their classroom knowledge to realistic emergency situations. Once they passed this initial hurdle, they were ready to strap into the real thing and take their first flight in the F-16. 

Following the transition flying phase where they learned the basics of landing, advanced handling and emergency procedures, including engine-out landings, the students moved into the air-to-air and air-to-ground phases. Top Dog instructors put 07-ABC through a rigorous training regimen, flying more than 1,300 sorties during their course. 

The students quickly learned what would be expected of them as operational wingmen. The culmination of their training was a large force exercise during which they were tasked with destroying targets while opposed by hostile air and ground forces. 

Graduation day signifies the end of initial training for 07-ABC, but not the end of their learning. The class will report to the 310th Fighter Squadron, "Tophats," where they will receive follow-on training on night vision goggles, laser guided bombing and other specialized F-16 missions. Once they arrive at their first operational unit, they'll undergo further mission qualification training, normally lasting approximately 90 days, and finally be qualified as mission-ready wingmen. 

Like many who have gone before  them, some will soon deploy and put their hard-won skills to the test--flying combat sorties in support of national objectives and leading the ay as American warriors.