944 FW pilot blazes into history books

Published Jan. 5, 2006
By Staff Sgt. Stephen Razo
944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- As Col. William "Blaze" Binger skillfully maneuvered his F-16 through Iraqi airspace in support of Operation Steel Curtain, history was made. Colonel Binger became the 10th pilot in the world to have flown the F-16 for 4,000 hours.

"Reaching the 4,000-hour mark is certainly a memorable accomplishment," said Colonel Binger, 944th Operations Group commander. "I am proud and honored to achieve this mark while assigned to the 944th Fighter Wing, the best fighter wing in Air Force Reserve Command. I consider myself lucky to be supported by great maintainers and wingmen; they are the ones who allowed me to reach the 4,000-hour milestone mishap free."

The three-hour mission was flown in support of Marine and Army ground forces in Western Iraq.

"Every mission here is equally important, but this particular operations is satisfying knowing we are taking the fight to the enemy and we are winning," he said.

As Colonel Binger continues to fly missions in support of Iraqi Freedom, he marvels at the confidence, professionalism and camaraderie of the Air Force Reserve personnel assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Wing.

"Our people are our greatest asset; their training, dedication and sense of urgency pulls all elements of our mission together to make it happen," he said.

Colonel Binger is currently deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, as the deputy operations group commander. His historic flight occurred Nov. 18, 2005.