How the Battle of Robert’s Ridge turned the F-15E Strike Eagle into the perfect CAS platform

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB AIRMEN INTRODUCE THE MIGHTY F-15E STRIKE EAGLE TO QATAR MILITARY AUTHORITIES

By Gabriele Barison
Apr 7 2017
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His Excellency Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Attiyah has been updated regarding Qatar’s potential multi-billion dollar purchase of over 30 F-15QA aircraft

On Mar. 28, 2017, Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs, his Excellency Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Attiyah, paid visit to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), where he had the chance to experience the power and capabilities of the F-15E Strike Eagle firsthand.

As reported by Airman 1st Class Kenneth Boyton, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, in the article SJ showcases F-15E superiority to Qatar Minister of Defense, his Excellency Al Attiyah first received a tour and mission briefing of the F-15E from Lt. Col. Dave Haworth, Office of Military Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Qatar. Haworth stressed the critical role the aircraft provides Combatant Commanders in their objectives to destroy and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

“The Strike Eagle has contributed to destroying or damaging over 31,900 targets as part of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE,” pointed out Haworth.

Lt. Col. Dave Haworth (right), Office of Military Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, showcases the F-15E Strike Eagle to his Excellency Khalid Mohammad Al Attiyah, Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs, March 28, 2017, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. After a base tour, his Excellency flew in the backseat of an F-15E to experience the aircraft’s capabilities firsthand.

Col. Christopher Sage, 4th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, added that U.S. and coalition aircraft have conducted more than 16,600 strikes in Iraq and Syria in support of OIR.

Then, after a tour of the 334th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, his Excellency visited the 334th Fighter Squadron (FS) and was greeted by Lt. Col. Levi Hall, 334th FS commander.

Haworth updated his Excellency on details regarding Qatar’s potential multi-billion dollar purchase of over 30 F-15QA aircraft.

Following a few more briefings, his Excellency and Brig. Gen. Eisa Rashid Al Mohannadi, Chairman of the Qatar Eagle Committee, were fitted for flight equipment so they could experience the Strike Eagle in action.

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-15E Strike Eagle 366th Fighter Wing, 391st Fighter Squadron, MO/90-0249 – Mountain Home AFB, ID – 2008

Capt. Scott Harbison and Capt. Jared Krueger, 334th FS pilots, said they were excited to fly the distinguished visitors and show them the Strike Eagle’s capability.

“Having the chance to take his Excellency up in the air and show how amazing our F-15E’s are is a once in a lifetime event,” explained Harbison.

Noteworthy the flight started with both Strike Eagles reaching maximum altitude directly after takeoff. After their flight, the jets landed and his Excellency set foot on the ground he was recently miles above.

His Excellency Khalid Mohammad Al Attiyah (left), Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs, shakes hands with Airman 1st Class Adam Frey, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, March 28, 2017, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Frey prepared the F-15E Strike Eagle for his Excellency’s first flight in the aircraft.

“It’s was an honor to host his Excellency and have him fly in one of our phenomenal war-fighting machines,” said Col. Christopher Sage, 4th Fighter Wing (FW) commander. “Qatar is not just a mission partner in the Middle East, they are a vital team member in stopping ISIS and maintaining peace within the region.”

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a twin-engine, all weather fighter that, as we have explained in a previous article, is the backbone for the Air Force’s air superiority. Its proven design is undefeated in air-to-air combat, with more than 100 aerial combat victories. Its two engines provide 58,000 pounds of thrust, which enable the F-15 to exceed speeds of Mach 2.5.

Boeing is pushing for continuous innovative upgrades to keep the F-15s across the world mission ready and in the air to 2040 and beyond.

His Excellency Khalid Mohammad Al Attiyah, Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and Capt. Scott Harbison, 334th Fighter Squadron pilot, taxi to the end of the runway in an F-15E Strike Eagle, March 28, 2017, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. His Excellency experienced his first F-15E flight in preparation for a potential purchase of an F-15QA fleet and praised the aircraft’s capabilities.

Additional source: Boeing; Photo credit: Airman 1st Class Kenneth Boyton and Airman Daniel Snider / U.S. Air Force

Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com


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Gabriele Barison

Gabriele Barison

Gabriele Barison is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Co-Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. He has flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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