Lajes (Azores) (LPLA/TER) 2008

[J.J.]

Thanks for posting the additional two VMA-542 serial numbers, Leandro! Looks to me there were only ten jets deployed, and not twelve as usual by USAF fighter/attack units.

[thunderboypt]

Thanks for posting the additional two VMA-542 serial numbers, Leandro! Looks to me there were only ten jets deployed, and not twelve as usual by USAF fighter/attack units.

Hi,

J.J., yes only ten harriers this last time.
The Eurofighters, the spotters there only got me half of the serials , I´m waiting for the rest today. By the way, they had already depart this morning.

Best Regards,
Leandro Rocha.

[J.J.]

Probably in early May, an undisclosed number of A-10s from the 303rd FS, 442nd FW (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri (tailcode KC), will go trough Lajes and possibly also trough Sigonella. According to a 442nd FW PA news article, they will deploy to Afghanistan this spring. And in this case, they will deploy as 303rd EFS for USAF´s upcoming AEF 3/4 (Cycle 7) rotation (May - August 2008). And they will replace the Spang "Hogs" at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. Happy spotting!

See: http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123095383" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[thunderboypt]

Hi all,

The Typhoon's that scale Lajes were on day 21 March were 7 and not 6, serial/code:
ZJ935/DJ
ZJ942/DH
ZJ933/DF
ZJ941/DG
ZJ939/DXI
ZJ927/AG
ZJ912/AB

Support:
Tristar: ZD950
VC-10: XV107

J.J. Thanks for the info about the A-10's i will get that info to the spotters.

Kind Regards,
Leandro Rocha.

[J.J.]

Roger, Leandro! And so I think, the returning Spang "Hogs" of the deployed 81th EFS should make at least a stopover at Sigonella, if not a final stopover in Italy after their redeployment from Bagram AB, Afghanistan, probably (as usual) via Al Udeid AB, Qatar. Related to that you can also await a swap of F-15Es at Bagram AB, but that should be more related to Moron AB, like the F-16 OIF swaps. On F-16.net we have already identified the Viper units which will deploy for USAF´s upcoming AEF 3/4 (Cycle 7) rotation (May - August 2008), probably all via Moron AB.

[sentinel]

Roger, Leandro! And so I think, the returning Spang "Hogs" of the deployed 81th EFS should make at least a stopover at Sigonella, if not a final stopover in Italy after their redeployment from Bagram AB, Afghanistan, probably (as usual) via Al Udeid AB, Qatar. Related to that you can also await a swap of F-15Es at Bagram AB, but that should be more related to Moron AB, like the F-16 OIF swaps. On F-16.net we have already identified the Viper units which will deploy for USAF´s upcoming AEF 3/4 (Cycle 7) rotation (May - August 2008), probably all via Moron AB.

The LN Eagles should be deploying to Afghanistan on Tuesday.

[falcon]

A large RAF flight have touched down at Lajes a few hours ago,

9 Tornado's with support of 2 VC-10's and a Tristar.

cheerz,
George.

[J.J.]

[...] The LN Eagles should be deploying to Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Thanks, sentinel! They will deploy for USAF´s upcoming AEF 3/4 (Cycle 7) rotation (May - August 2008). It´s still unknown to me which squadron will deploy as an EFS - either the 493rd FS or the 494th FS, and possibly with a mix of their aircraft. Have LN Strike Eagles a stopover point in the Mediterranean before they last paused at Al Udeid AB, Qatar, en route to Afghanistan? And sentinel! Can you watch their departure to get serial numbers? That would be great!

[sentinel]

I would much rather watch them then listen to them on radio but life is not perfect!

The deployment has been delayed beyond tomorrow and as far as I know it seems they will go all the way to Qatar.

[...] The LN Eagles should be deploying to Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Thanks, sentinel! They will deploy for USAF´s upcoming AEF 3/4 (Cycle 7) rotation (May - August 2008). It´s still unknown to me which squadron will deploy as an EFS - either the 493rd FS or the 494th FS, and possibly with a mix of their aircraft. Have LN Strike Eagles a stopover point in the Mediterranean before they last paused at Al Udeid AB, Qatar, en route to Afghanistan? And sentinel! Can you watch their departure to get serial numbers? That would be great!

[J.J.]

Thanks a lot, sentinel! It really looks plausible that they need no stopover in the Mediterranean before they reach Al Udeid AB, Qatar. And at least some radio info should be very helpful. But as well known to us: radio info is not 100% sure.

[Dutchmil]

Probably in early May, an undisclosed number of A-10s from the 303rd FS, 442nd FW (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri (tailcode KC), will go trough Lajes and possibly also trough Sigonella. According to a 442nd FW PA news article, they will deploy to Afghanistan this spring. And in this case, they will deploy as 303rd EFS for USAF´s upcoming AEF 3/4 (Cycle 7) rotation (May - August 2008). And they will replace the Spang "Hogs" at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. Happy spotting!

See: http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123095383" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The A-10s should be departing from Willow Grove to Lajes next week, Wednesday May 7.

Hope this helps,


RH.

[J.J.]

My post from Monday was based on info given by an "AEF Iron List" of Air Expeditionary Forces for Cycle 7, published by "Air Force Times" earlier this year. Sorry, but I overlooked that they called the 493rd FS an F-15E unit. In fact, this squadron is flying the F-15C. Thanks to a private message, I checked the error. And so I can tell you the 494th FS will deploy as 494th EFS, possibly also including 492nd FS jets if needed to provide a fighter package in best conditions.

By the way, RAF Lakenheath´s 492nd FS is assigned to USAF´s AEF 7/8 (Cycle 7) rotation (January - April 2009).

[Oscar01]

Mazda11-15
Mazda21-25
Mazda31-34

14x F-15E LN departed this morning. 2 spares probably.

Support for first leg was Gold62, 72, 82.

Cheers,
Oscar

[Spine24]

Mazda11-15
Mazda21-25
Mazda31-34

14x F-15E LN departed this morning. 2 spares probably.

Support for first leg was Gold62, 72, 82.

Cheers,
Oscar

Strange routing from EGUL-LPLA back to the UK and then further via NL to the east?.....wrong topic?

[wapo84]

Departed this morning at EGUL, destination OTBH via NAVPI MILGI NOR NTM DIK ...