The F-16 is painted to represent the lineage of the 149th Fighter Wing with the unit’s origins dating back to the 396th Fighter Squadron “Thunder Bums” P-47 paint scheme from 1944
Taken on May 26, 2017 the cool photos in this post feature the U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-16 Viper assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing (FW), Texas Air National Guard, painted with World War II heritage markings outside the Air National Guard Paint Facility in Sioux City, Iowa.
The 149th FW received authorization for the nonstandard markings in order to commemorate the USAF 70th Anniversary. The markings represent the lineage of the 149th FW with the unit’s origins dating back to the 396th Fighter Squadron “Thunder Bums” P-47 paint scheme from 1944.
The 149 FW is extremely proud of its heritage, which includes 60 years of flying fighter aircraft, mobilizing for numerous worldwide deployments, and providing continuous service to the community and the state of Texas.
The 149th FW is an F-16 flying training unit that includes a support group with a worldwide mobility commitment. The cornerstone of the 149th FW’s flying mission is the 182d Fighter Squadron (FS), whose role is to take pilots, either experienced aircrew or recent graduates from USAF undergraduate pilot training, and qualify them to fly and employ the F-16.
Photo credit: Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot / U.S. Air National Guard
Source: U.S. Air National Guard
