RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa issued the following press release:
Forty-five years ago, the first F-16 Fighting Falcons arrived in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe area of responsibility, beginning a legacy that continues to shape U.S. and Allied airpower across the European theater.
On Sept. 14, 1981, the first F-16s arrived at Hahn Air Base, Germany, where the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing was preparing to transition to the new multirole fighter. The arrival marked the beginning of a new era for USAFE, but the command's introduction to the aircraft began on the ground rather than in the air.
The first aircraft delivered to Hahn were non-flying F-16s loaned to USAFE by Tactical Air...