Such a beautiful aircraft. While I was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA in the early 80'2, I used to watch them fly. During that time they still wore the Northstar tail flash.

This was a big, big day looking back on it. I had full access to every area at the base, and now post-9/11 I wish I'd taken more advantage of that freedom.

I also wish I'd had a video camera with sound, because a lot of what you DON'T get here is the fabulous sounds of all those J75's together, much less the ANG pilots banging the afterburners on every takeoff....the sounds of the missile bay doors opening for display...and the final dropoff of sound when the base commanders' F-106 stopped and the master maintenance logsl were turned over (it took two handtrucks to move it all for one a/c!).

But wow, what a day. By the way, I left out the photos of the replacement F- 16's that supplanted the Sixes. I mean, really, you can get that anywhere...

How can you forget your first OJTI? Lookin' good, Marv!

How can you forget your first OJTI? Lookin' good, Marv!

How can you forget your first OJTI? Lookin' good, Marv!

How can you forget your first OJTI? Lookin' good, Marv!

How can you forget your first OJTI? Lookin' good, Marv!

How can you forget your first OJTI? Lookin' good, Marv!

How can you forget your first OJTI? Lookin' good, Marv!

How can you forget your first OJTI? Lookin' good, Marv!