DC Guard To Unveil and Dedicate F-16 Fighting Falcon Jet Display

WASHINGTON, DC (12/07/2014)(readMedia)-- The District of Columbia National Guard will formally unveil an F-16 Fighting Falcon static display at the D.C. National Guard Armory, Sunday, Dec. 7 at approximately 11 a.m. following the D.C. National Guard's Awards & Decorations Ceremony.

The jet, an F-16 Fighting Falcon is the primary aircraft flown by the D.C. Air National Guard's 113th Wing. On Sept. 11, 2001, alert duty pilots and crews from the 113th responded in moments to the terrorists attacks on Washington, D.C. In the years since, the F-16 pilots and crews of the D.C. Air National Guard's 113th Wing have responded to more than 4,000 individual alert missions over the District of Columbia.

The F-16 on display at the D.C. Armory was flown by numerous 113th pilots during its time in service, both as an operational and training aircraft. F-16 on display was retired from service in 1993.

The jet on display, Tail Number 78–008, is marked with the emblems and heraldry of the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, and is on loan from Air Force Heritage Program. It arrived at the D.C. Armory May 4, 2014, following a cross-country road trip. The jet was re-painted in June and will be formally dedicated during a ceremony in December.

The U.S. Air Force has flown the F-16 in every major conflict since its introduction to the fleet in 1980. The F-16 participated in operations in Panama, the Gulf War, Operations Northern and Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Allied Force, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Odyssey Dawn.

The D.C. National Guard, made up of about 2,500 members, serves their local community and America. They are a ready, trained and equipped military organization. The D.C. National Guard is the first military responder in the nation's capital to support and defend the District of Columbia, its citizens and the nation.

WHO: D.C. National Guard

WHAT: Dedication Ceremony of F-16 static display (photo)

WHEN: Sunday, December 7, 11 a.m.

WHERE: D.C. National Guard Armory, 2001 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

NOTES:

An F-16 Fighting Falcon jet rests upon a pillar at the D.C. National Guard Armory, 2001 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC . The jet, a static display, will serve as a beacon to the members of the D.C. Air National Guard. Photo by Air National Guard 1st Lt. Nathan Wallin

For more images of the F-16 display, please visit:

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