Holloman Air Force Base

Col. Michael Stapleton, 49th Operations Group commander, prepares to take his first flight in the German Tornado, Feb. 20, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Currently three air forces – German, British and Italian – fly the two versions of the fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Rachel A. Kocin)

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Col. Michael Stapleton, 49th Operations Group commander, suits up for his first flight in the German Tornado, Feb. 20, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The German Air Force has been training its aircrews in the United States since 1958. In 1992, the training was moved to Holloman due to the weather conditions, suitable air space and the proximity to the German Air Force Defense Center at Fort Bliss, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Rachel A. Kocin)

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49th Operations Group Commander's First Tornado Flight

As a sign of the joint operations that take place between allied nations at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Col. Michael Stapleton, 49th Operations Group commander, prepares to take off on his first flight in the German Tornado, Feb. 20. The 49th Fighter Wing works closely with the German Air Force Flying Training Center which has over 600 German military personnel and over 20 Tornado aircraft assigned to Holloman. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Rachel A. Kocin)

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Col. Stapleton takes first ride in German Tornado

Published March 3, 2009