Eielson Wing Commander marks 4,000+ hours in F-16

  • Published
  • By Capt. Frank Hartnett
  • 354 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, AK --  Earning the opportunity to fly a fighter aircraft in the Air Force is an honor few Airmen are chosen for, and being assigned to the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" for 24 years on active duty is an even rarer achievement.

Brigadier General James N. "Bull" Post III, the 354th Fighter Wing's commander, completed his 2,565th sortie in the F-16 today, bringing his official total flight hours to 4000.4 in the F-16. The milestone places him in an elite corner of the F-16 community as the only known General officer to accomplish the feat while still on active duty.

While stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, the General transitioned in 1987 from the venerable F-4 Phantom II to the F-16 "Viper" at Luke AFB, Arizona. Since his first sortie in the F-16 he has gone on to win honors as the 1995 Pacific Air Forces Instructor Pilot of the Year and as the Pacific Air Forces' Mission Commander and winner of the USAF's 1995 GUNSMOKE competition.

The commander cherishes his time alongside fellow Airmen in combat most of all.

"We train for and conduct a variety of missions," said General Post. "But I've always felt most proud when providing close air support to troops on the ground."

General Post has accumulated over 280 hours in support of operations NORTHERN WATCH, SOUTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM.

"This milestone isn't about flying time in a jet," said General Post. "It's about the responsibility we all have to remain as ready and proficient as possible in the skill or trade the Air Force assigns you."

"From the day you start your service and through the years, you have to be determined to maintain a winning edge," added General Post. "You have to be an expert and know your job better than anyone else. As Airmen we must never leave success to chance, our Air Force and our nation depend on it."