The F-16 Fighting Falcon was produced by General Dynamics who became Lockheed who then merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed Martin. The F-16 entered service in January 1979 as a multi-role jet fighter that evolved into an all-weather multi-role aircraft capable of sustaining 9-g turns. The F-16 is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain so the U.S. and 25 other countries added it to their inventory. The Fighting Falcon is referred to by its pilots as the “Viper” and will remain in USAF service until 2025.

The New Jersey ANG F-16C 86-0333 of the 119th FS / 177th FW is affectionately referred to as “Triple Cripple” because of the many Code 3 flights. The aircraft was delivered in 1988 with the 80th TFS. In 1999 the aircraft went to the 523rd FS for 2 years and then to 186th FS before returning to the 523 FS. The next move was to the 124th FS in 2007 before finding its final home in 2013 with the 119th FS / 177th FW, New Jersey ANG, Atlantic City Air National Guard Base.

Definition of Code 3 - Aircraft or system has major discrepancies in mission essential equipment that may require extensive repair or replacement prior to further mission assignment. The discrepancy may not affect safety-of-flight and the aircraft may be Not Mission Capable (NMC) flyable.

Info:   Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon 86-0333, 119th FS, 177th FW, New Jersey ANG, 20116