The 48th Fighter Wing’s 493rd Fighter Squadron has specially painted one of its F-15Cs to mark the end of its operations with the Eagle
On January 18, F-15C Eagle, 86-0172/LN of the USAF’s 493rd Fighter Squadron/48th Fighter Wing was seen for the first time wearing special markings on its tails and air brake to mark the upcoming end of F-15C/D operations by the unit. As the last squadron flying the pure fighter variant of the Eagle in Europe, one of the tails highlights the 45 years of service on the continent by the F-15A/B/C/D. The fighter version has resided at four bases – Bitburg and Spangdahlem in Germany, Soesterberg in the Netherlands and of course Lakenheath – and this is also featured on the same tail. The starboard tail has a large depiction of the squadron’s badge and at the top of each the unit's name has also has been applied. The air brake has been painted with the squadron's motif and 'kill' markings for the aerial victories by the jets assigned to the unit, some of which refer to shoot downs by the 493rd FS.
