Navy Recieves Fleet of F-16s to use as Agressors

The US Navy recently recieved more F-16's to replace their retiring Legacy F/A-18 Hornet aggressors (Aircraft used to challenge training fighter pilots in dogfighting and combat scenarios). After complications in their attempt to purchanse F-16's from Greece, The Navy turned to the Air Force, who was retiring of 30 F-16&ops;s which had enough life service remaining to become aggressors.

This transfer has had many major difficulties for The Navy. “In this case, we had to transition two squadrons and retrain 30 pilots, which required significant coordination and a year of effort. We also had to procure a new F-16 simulator and move our F-5 simulator to New Orleans. Another major challenge was establishing the Viper Maintenance Group (VMG), a new joint maintenance element for VFC-13 and Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC). This involved developing a coordinated approach for aircraft sharing, mishap reporting, and maintenance inspections.” Says Tactical Support Wing Safety Officer Cmdr. David Radomile.

The Navy has had 14 F-16's, 10 single seat F-16A variants and 4 double seat F-16B's. These aquissition efforts have been underway since 2009 and were complicated by the retiring of the F/A-18 Legacy Hornets. As for the F-16's that The Navy was unable to acquire from Greece, it is theorized that they may be sold to Ukraine.