[simpits-tech] F-15's to the rescue

[Rob Hommel]

Lets see a F-16 do this.

F-15s inadvertently 'save the day'
by 2nd Lt. Tony Wickman
Air Force Flight Test Center Public Affairs
05/31/02 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- Two Edwards F-15 Eagle
pilots unknowingly helped the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department break
up a gang-related incident May 18 while performing a flyby at the 43rd
Annual Torrance Armed Forces Day parade.

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According to Sgt. Brian Stover of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs
Department, the parade, which was to include the F-15 fly-by, was in
progress when an individual began shooting in a park near the parade route.
The department dispatched deputies to investigate, and once officials were
on the scene, the situation deteriorated rapidly into a violent state, said
Stover.

"When the deputies arrived, they questioned some locals and were pointed to
a couple of suspects," said Stover. "The deputies took the individuals into
custody, and then the family and friends of the victim came out to get some
vigilante justice."

According to the sergeant, the park erupted, and people started attacking
the deputies and the suspects. The deputies called for assistance, and more
than 40 law enforcement people armed with rubber bullets, bean bag shotguns
and pepper spray arrived from several local stations to help clear the park
and restore order.

About that time, Lt. Col. Bill Thornton, commander of the 416th Flight Test
Squadron here, and Maj. Carl Schaefer, also of the 416th, approached the
area in preparation for their flyover.

"The first pass over the park made everyone stop and look at the F-15s,"
said Stover. "When they turned and made a second pass, it caused everyone to
scatter and empty out of the park, much like when you turn on a light and
roaches scatter."

Stover said because of the flyby the deputies avoided having to deploy a
skirmish line, and said the Edwards crew helped deputies deploy without
force or further injuries.

Thornton later said that he and Schaefer did notice the police cars in the
park, but were unaware of the events taking place on the ground.

"We have a saying in the Air Force that 'timing is everything,'" Thornton
said. "We are thrilled that our flights, although inadvertent, were able to
help the police restore order and prevent further violence."