DVIDS – News – DCMA Government Aviation Officer hands over historic F-16 delivery

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — U.S. Air Force Capt. Sean Williams, Defense Contract Management Agency flight officer from the Aircraft Integrated Maintenance Operations office in Greenville, recently flew one of the first two F-16 Fighting Falcons delivered to the Slovak Air Force. Col. Eduardo Castaneda of the Indiana Air National Guard flew the second aircraft.

“I am extremely honored to represent DCMA as the flight leader that delivered not only the first two F-16s for Slovakia, but also the first Block 70s for our NATO allies,” said Williams. “Having Colonel Castaneda as my wingman made it even more historic.”

Williams has flown more than 1,100 hours in the F-16, including 200 combat hours. He says the Block 70 is the most advanced and capable model he has flown to date.

“My favorite part of working at DCMA has been seeing a brand new Block 70 F-16 go from a single bulkhead to final delivery to our partners around the world,” said Williams. “I’ve been a fighter pilot and instructor in F-16 school before, but this job is completely different. It’s very rewarding to come full circle and be part of the great team here overseeing the production of these amazing aircraft.”

According to Lockheed Martin, the F-16 Block 70 is the most advanced fourth-generation fighter jet ever built, featuring advanced radar, improved battlespace surveillance, an automatic ground collision avoidance system, weapons integration and a structural life of 12,000 hours.

The Indiana Air National Guard said the aircraft are the first of 14 F-16s being delivered to the Slovak Air Force to support their 31-year partnership. The partnership between Slovakia and the Indiana National Guard is one of over 100 nations under the DOD National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, which the DOD says is a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship.

AIMO Greenville provides contract management, engineering, quality assurance, and oversees aircraft maintenance and production for six contractors at nine plants. Lockheed Martin is one of these plants and has contracts with six countries to produce 148 F-16 aircraft, including 42 for foreign military sales.

“I am extremely proud of our entire team for making this delivery possible for the Slovak Air Force,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Letricia Baxley, commander of AIMO Greenville. “It is great for our team to be part of this historic event.”