#1822 22 TFS F-15C Eagle print
Description
Squadron Prints Lithograph No. 1822 - 79-0022, F-15C79-24-MC Eagle, A Combat Veteran's Journey, Cold War Sentinel and Hot War Warrior.
F-15C USAF tail number AF 79-022 commenced its operational life in Europe, making its initial assignment at Soesterberg Air Base, Holland on July 30, 1980. By the close of 1980, 79-022 was transferred from the 32nd to the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing at Bitburg AB, Germany. At Bitburg, the aircraft was assigned to the 22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron/22nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit, contributing to NATO’s air defense capabilities from this premier Cold War F-15 base. The most distinguished chapter in 79-022’s history unfolded during Operation Desert Storm. On January 28, 1991, this aircraft was piloted by Captain Donald S. Watrous. During a patrol mission designed to prevent Iraqi aircraft from escaping into Iran, Captain Watrous, engaged an Iraqi Air Force MiG-23 Flogger. He engaged full afterburner, jettisoned wing tanks, and successfully launched an AIM-7 Sparrow missile, resulting in the destruction of the Iraqi MiG-23. This engagement marked a confirmed air-to-air kill for 79-022 and stands as a testament to Captain Watrous’s resilience and skill under combat conditions. Following its service in Europe and its combat role in Desert Storm, F-15C 79-022 continued its distinguished operational life in the United States. It subsequently served with the 114th Fighter Squadron, which is part of the 173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard, stationed at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon. After a notable career, F-15C 79-0022 was eventually retired from active flying service. It was transferred to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARC) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, on August 4, 2010, where it received the designation FH0288. However, the journey did not conclude there. Through the efforts of Maj. Gen (Ret.) T Glenn Davis and CMSgt. (Ret.) Tim Gray the aircraft was moved to “Celebrity Row” because of its history as a “MIG Killer”. By agreement with the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the aircraft was released for display by a private organization. The aircraft was disassembled and on February 8, 2018, 79-022 departed AMARC to be placed on permanent display at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, in Pueblo, Colorado. At the museum 79-022 was reassembled and restored by the Pueblo Historic Aircraft Society Restoration Division in the configuration it would have been seen in January, 1991. The authentically restored aircraft was dedicated at the museum on June 2, 2018, attended by 22nd TFS and 22nd AMU veterans from “The BIG 22”. This ensures the preservation of 79-022 as a historical artifact for future generations to observe and learn from. This trajectory - from active combat duty to service with the Air National Guard and then to AMARC and ultimately a museum - illustrates an uncommon and significant lifecycle for a military aircraft.
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