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Show I HILL TOP TIMES 28 Page 388th The 388th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) relocated to Hill AFB in December, 1975, from Korat, Thailand, as a result of termination of U.S. military operations in that country. With approximately 1450 personnel assigned, the wing is the largest tenant organization on base. The wing is part of 12th Air Force's Tactical Air Command (TAC) which provides responsive support for tactical air operations worldwide. Headquartered in Bldg. 120, the 388th's mission includes air to ground and air to air support. The wing also remains ready to react to all levels of conflict ranging from cold to nuclear war. To develop and maintain this capability, the 388th is expected to fly approximately 42 sorties daily when it reaches full strength in December, 1976. Each sortie will consist of intense training utilizing one or more of the weapon systems on board the aircraft. Radar and visual bombing, low level navigation, in- tercepts and air combat manuevers, commonly to as dog fighting, are a few of the areas with which aircrews are proficient. referred May 14, 1976 TAC The 4th and 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) are the first flying units formed, and will be followed by the 421st TFS later this year. Flying operations began in March with the goal of having the wing fully operational by August. AIRCRAFT The 388th flies the McDonnel Douglas F-- 4 Phantom II which is one of the most versatile aircraft in the Air Force. A two engine, two man, all fighter, it was weather selected by the Air Force in March 1962 to improve the tactical fighter force. The F-- can carry a wide variety of tactical weapons for counter air, interdiction, and close air support missions. are presently assigned to the Tactical Air Command, Pacific Air Forces, and the US Air Forces in Europe. The aircraft can be flown at speeds ranging from 150 to 1600 miles per hour and at altitudes close to 60,000 feet. It is powered by two engines and carries an internal fuel load of approximately 12800 lbs. The fuel load can be augmented with the use of two gallon wing tanks and a 600 gallon centerline tank. With a full load on board, the F-- 4 has a range beyond 1600' 370 Col. Neil L. Eddins com- AFB. Prior to this assignment he commanded the 388th at Korat Royal Thai Air AFB, Thailand. From Afton, Wyo., Colonel Eddins enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. He entered the Aviation Cadet Program in 1953, was designated a "distinguished graduate" and received a regular commission as second lieutenant in 1954. His military assignments include duty with the 45th Day Sidi Squadron, Fighter Slamaine, Morocco; the 405th Bomber Fighter Va.; U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, Nellis, AFB, Nev.; the 36th Tactical (TAC) Fighter Wing, Bitburg AFB, Germany; 388th TAC Fighter Wing, Korat AFB, Thailand; Headquarters Tactical Air Command, X X i iipBlillllll: The F-- 4 has a multipurpose radar, designed combat for use in the role as well as the air intercept and miles. air-to-a- ir air-togrou- nd roles. Its basic armament consists of four radar guided AIM missiles Sparrow and four infrared AIM 9 Sidewinder missiles. The F4D can also carry a 20MM Vulcan cannon, capable of firing 6000 rounds per minute for 7 air-to-a- ir air-to-a- and air-to-grou- ir - k ' - 'r . J , nd operations. 4 F-4- s J79-GE-- 15 Langley AFB, Va; 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, Holloman AFB, N.M.; 432nd Fighter Wing, Udorn AFB, Thailand and a second tour with the 388th TAC Fighter Wing. The colonel graduated from Star Valley High School in TAC Afton and attended University of Wyoming. the LLZIl the F-- 4 can carry almost eight tons oi external payioaa, in- Phantom Fighters that flew daily over the skies of Thailand are now back in Utah to maintain the 388th TFW's mission of flying and fighting to preserve the freedom of the United States. U.S. Air Force Photo The conventional or cluding nuclear bombs, rockets or mines. HISTORY The 388th was originally formed in 1942 as the 388th Bomb Wing (Heavy) at McGowan Field, Idaho. Equipped withB17's, the wing moved to Wendover, Utah, in 1943. Later that year, it left Utah for combat in Europe as part of the 8th Air Force. was awarded a bachelor of arts degree and graduated with honors in 1973. He has served as slot man, commander and lead pilot of the U.S. Air Force Thun-derbir- Aerial ds Demon- stration Team; chief of the of that year and during World War II the wing earned two presidential unit citations. The wing was deactivated in August, 1945, and reactivated in March, 1966 at Korat, Thailand with F 105 and F4 aircraft. May 8-- 15 Armed Forces Week 388th TAC Fighter Training He also attended the Armed Division, Headquarters TAC: Forces Staff College, Norfolk, deputy commander for Va,. in 1969 and the Army War operations 49th Tactical College in 1971. Fighter Wing; vice comHe served a bootstrap mander, 432nd TAC Fighter assignment to Shippensburg Wing and finally as comState College, Pa., where he mander of the 388th. J) rr F-- 4 First action came in July Col. Eddins Commands Hill's mands the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) at Hill st Tenant s Fighter Wm DRAPERIES MACHINES COIN-O- P His military decorations with PROFESSIONAL CLEANING & LAUNDRY SERVICE o WARDROBE o TFW o LEATHERS o include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with four Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC's), Air Medal LAYTON KAYSVILLE - CLEARFIELD 14 Service on Fatigues One-Da- y & Uniforms FATIGUES '1.60 SET -- OLC's, Meritorous Service Medal LAUNDRY & CLEANING VILLAGE Commendation Medal and the Combat Readiness Medal. FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY with one OLC, the Air Force LAYTON He is a command pilot with more than 5300 flying hours, including 260 combat hours. He and his wife, June, are the parents of three children. icenteniial 766-008- KAYSVILLE , 376-902- 9 1 602 NORTH MAIN 1776-197- 97 NORTH MAIN 6 CHANGING STYLES, CHANGING MOODS, CHANGING PEOPLE At f , the Squire School graduates LA I If I 1 I -- .. -- m.r r " Itf receive tf'l 11 I J' i On the purchase of suits, dress or leisure. We have an exciting selection ; ' of graduation gift ideas tool Deluxe Gift Wrapping Is Free 7mEN'S FORT LANE SHOPPING CENTER IN LAYTON Cd. Neil L. Eddins i Our AND BOYS' CLOTHIER j I |