[Scan-DC] Despite stand down, CONR fighters remain on alert

[Alan Henney]

From: AFNORTH PA OMB
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 12:07 PM
Subject: (U) AFNORTH PR- Despite stand down, CONR fighters remain on
alert

Release 071128-001

November 28, 2007

Despite stand down, CONR fighters remain on alert

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Despite a second fleet-wide stand down
of A through D model F-15s, Continental US NORAD Region fighters
remain on alert.

“Our Air Sovereignty Alert and Operation NOBLE EAGLE alert missions
utilize various aircraft, including F-16s, so we can maintain our
alerts and launch as necessary,” said Maj Gen Hank Morrow, 1st Air
Force commander.

“We are supporting Air Combat Command as they work with various Air
Force agencies to bring the F-15 fleet back to flying status as
quickly as possible.  Until then, we remain on duty protecting our
homeland,” he said.

Air Combat Command commander, Gen. John D.W. Corley, directed the
stand-down of all ACC F-15 A through D model aircraft, following
recent findings in the Nov. 2 F-15C mishap that now require additional
inspections and possible repair actions.

ACC recommends the stand-down of all other similar model aircraft in
other Air Force major commands, including those under the operational
control of U.S. combatant commanders.

The findings indicate possible fleet-wide airworthiness problems with
F-15A/B/C and D aircraft.  These findings, based on a metallurgical
analysis of the mishap aircraft, have drawn the attention of ACC to
the F-15's upper longerons near the canopy of the aircraft that appear
to have cracked and failed.  The longerons are the specific metal
rails that hold the fuselage of the aircraft together.

This stand-down is pending the completion of all necessary repair
actions.  Although the longeron area was covered in general by
previous inspections as a result of the Nov. 2 mishap, technical
experts with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, assisting in the
Accident Investigation Board, have recommended a specific inspection
of the suspect area based on the recent findings.  Manufacturer
simulations have indicated a catastrophic failure could result in this
particular area.

Based on this most recent data, the Air Force believes it is prudent
to stand-down F-15 A-D aircraft until such time each aircraft can
receive a more detailed and tailored inspection of the upper longerons
along the focus area.

Air Combat Command continues to work with Air National Guard, Reserve
and major commands in Europe and the Pacific and our joint and
coalition partners to ensure mission coverage. The stand-down does not
affect the F-15E.

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http://www.1af.acc.af.mil/media/archive/story.asp?id=123077287