GENERAL DYNAMICS F-16 FIGHTING FALCON 523rd SQN SWIRL Iron-on Patch: CRUSADERS

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GENERAL DYNAMICS F-16 FIGHTING FALCON 523rd FS SQUADRONS SWIRL Iron-on Patch: CRUSADERS
This is an Original
F-16 FIGHTING FALCON SWIRL INSIGNIA GENERAL DYNAMICS F-16 FIGHTING FALCON 523rd FS SQUADRONS SWIRL Iron-on Patch: CRUSADERS
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Patch.
You will receive the item as shown in the first photo.
Please note that there are color variations due to different settings on different PCs and different Monitors. The color shown on your screen is most likely not the true color.
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force. Designed as a lightweight, daytime fighter, it evolved into a successful multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976. Though no longer being purchased by the U.S. Air Force, improved versions are still being built for export customers. In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation, which in turn became part of Lockheed Martin after a 1995 merger with Martin Marietta.
The 523rd Fighter Squadron's primary mission is to maintain a continuous ability to rapidly deploy and support unified commanders worldwide with day or night F-16C combat operations. The squadron is committed to decisively employing the F-16C throughout the entire spectrum of offensive and defensive missions, including interdiction, close air support, strategic attack and counter-air, through employing a wide variety of conventional, precision guided and nuclear weapons.
In January of 1996, the 523rd began another transition, this time to the Block 30, F-16C/D, adding yet another aircraft to the rich history of the fighter squadron. The 523d immediately began deploying to Nellis AFB, Nevada, in August 96, for the 57th Wing's Weapons Instructor Course. Its future deployments will include RED FLAG and AIR WARRIOR at Nellis AFB, NV, and MAPLE FLAG in Canada, to represent the 27th Fighter Wing.
The 523rd flew its first official F-16 sortie out of Cannon on February 20, 1996. The last tactical F-111 sorties were flown March 28, 1996. Two F-16s met the two F-111s and returned to base marking the transition. The final F-111Fs were flown to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in July 1996. The fighter squadron flagship, tail number 70-2390, made its final flight to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, May 14, 1996.
The squadron was declared a mission-ready F-16 unit September 1996. The unit took part in Red Flag '97-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, October 1996. The 523rd won the Quality New Mexico Pinion Award for superb quality initiatives in January 1997. Ten F-16s and more than 100 people deployed to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to take part in Combat Hammer in May 1997. Then in June, the Crusaders deployed to the largest Maple Flag exercise in history. They deployed with 12 jets and more than 130 people. The exercise took place in Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, and involved many other U.S. bases and forces from several other countries.
Five F-16s and more than 60 people deployed June 29, 1997, to Keflavik Naval Air Station, Iceland, to cover an alert commitment F-15Es traditionally held. While there, they provided air superiority as the combat air arm of the Icelandic Defense Force, controlled and sustained F-16 operations in Iceland, executed U.S. Atlantic Command-tasked operations for fighter assets in Iceland and participated in realistic training for the United States Air Force and NATO forces. They took part in the multi-national, multi-service exercise Northern Viking, with F-15s from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and Dutch F-16s.
The 523rd currently flies block 50 F-16Cs.
Other items in other pictures are for your reference only, available in my eBay Store. They will make a great addition to your SSI Shoulder Sleeve Insignia collection. You find only US Made items here, with the same
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