We mourn the loss of our good friend David Lee “Tex” Hill on October 11th, 2007. We extend our condolences to his wife Mazie and his family & friends. He will be missed.

The following are the aircraft models signed by Tex Hill:

• Super Elite: P-40B Warhawk model
• P-40B Tomahawk model

LH7-1075 Cessna T-50 Bobcat “Albence”

This week we turn the spotlight on a custom-made model of the Cessna T-50 Bobcat “Songbird”. Mr. Joe, a model aircraft builder, was amazed after receiving the customized model of the said aircraft. He actually sent us a testimonial saying,

“I received the Songbird on Monday…in a word…FANTASTIC!!! That’s coming from a guy who builds flying models for a living. Maybe you should add it to the website custom model examples? Thanks for all your help and best regards!”

Your wish is our command, Sir Joe! Here at TMC Pacific Modelworks, we’re more than happy to oblige our customers’ requests. Do you have a made-to-order replica that you’d like to share as well? Please let us know! You might see your custom model in this spot next time.

Learn more about the Custom Models we offer, order yours today!

Last October 11, a Navy F/A-18A+ Hornet crashed off the coast of Virginia during a routine training operation.

The pilot successfully ejected and was recovered a short time later by a Coast Guard helicopter. He has been taken to a local hospital for evaluation of his injuries which are not believed to be serious.

The pilot’s name has not been released.

The aircraft was assigned to the “Golden Warriors” of Strike Fighter Squadron 87 based at NAS Oceana. The crash happened shortly after 4:00 p.m. about 70 miles off the Virginia coast.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

A maintainer marshals a returning Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle
at a base in Southwest Asia. Strike Eagles were part of the
39 close-air-support missions flown for
Operation Enduring Freedom Oct. 12. (U.S. Air Force photo)

During Oct.12 operations, Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle targeted an enemy firing position in Asadabad with a guided bomb unit-12. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the target was destroyed.

During the same mission, an F-15E conducted an air strike with a GBU-12 on enemy combatants in a cave near Asadabad. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force to prevent enemy activities in Shkin. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

In Babowkheyl, A-10s used flares while conducting shows of force to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared the desired affect was achieved.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Seven Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. In Iraq, a Navy F-18 Hornet conducted a show of force with the use of flared to deter disturbances in Baghdad. The JTAC confirmed the desired affect was achieved.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Some 146 airlift sorties were flown, 405 tons of cargos were delivered and 2,664 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 50,640 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews from Japan, Australia and Iraq flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Last Oct. 11, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 235 receiving aircraft