Speed Merchants

Over the years, Holloman AFB has hosted a wide range of aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and reconnaissance planes.

Holloman Air Force Base has a rich history that spans over 80 years. It is located six miles southwest of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Established in 1942 as Alamogordo Army Airfield, near Alamogordo, New Mexico, it was renamed in 1948 in honor of Col. George V. Holloman, a pioneer in guided missile research.

It was initially intended as a training center for British Commonwealth pilots during World War II1. It also trained B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator crews for wartime missions. Today, the Alamogordo-based Holloman Air Force Base is home to various units and organizations, including the 49th Wing, responsible for training pilots to fly.

It's also home to the Air Force Research Laboratory, which researches and develops new technologies and weapons systems.

The Holloman High-Speed Test Track, which is used to test and evaluate advanced aerospace systems, is over 50,000 feet long and is capable of supporting speeds of up to Mach 10 (ten times the speed of sound), making it one of the fastest and most advanced test tracks in the world.

The base was renamed Holloman Air Force Base in 1948 after Col. George V. Holloman pioneered early rocket and pilot-less aircraft research. Throughout the Cold War, many U.S. Air Force guided missile systems were developed at Holloman, such as Tiny Tim, Rascal, V-2 rocket, Ryan XQ-2 Drone, Falcon, MGM-13 Mace, MGM-1 Matador, and AGM-45 Shrike4.

Holloman AFB also hosted some notable events and projects, such as:

• The first supersonic flight by an American pilot (Lt. Col. Robert E. Strother) in 1948.

• The first human-crewed balloon flight into space (Project Manhigh) in 1957.

• The highest speed ever reached by a human-crewed aircraft (Mach 6.7 by Maj. William J. Knight) in 1967.

• The first chimpanzee astronaut (Ham) launched into space in 1961.

• The first stealth fighter squadron (F-117A Nighthawk) was activated in 1983.

Holloman AFB has had various missions throughout its history, including training pilots and supporting missile and drone testing. It has also been home to several aircraft and units.

Aircraft and Units:

Over the years, Holloman AFB has hosted many aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and reconnaissance planes. Some notable aircraft stationed at the base include:

• F-4 Phantom II

• F-15 Eagle

• F-117 Nighthawk

• T-38 Talon

• F-16 Fighting Falcon

• F-22 Raptor

• MQ-1 Predator

• MQ-9 Reaper

• RQ-4 Global Hawk

Currently, Holloman AFB hosts several vital units:

• 49th Wing: The host wing trains F-16 Fighting Falcon and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators and provides combat-ready airmen for worldwide deployment.

• 96th Test Group: A subordinate unit of the 96th Test Wing from Eglin AFB, Florida, responsible for operational testing and evaluating weapon systems, including aircraft, drones, and missiles. German Air Force Flying Training Center (GAFFTC): A unique partnership between the U.S. and German Air Forces, where German pilots receive advanced training on the Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

Major Achievements:

Holloman AFB has been the site of numerous significant events and milestones in aviation and space history, including:

The Holloman High-Speed Test Track: Established in the 1950s, this 50,000-foot-long track has been used to test high-speed aerospace and weapons systems, including rocket sleds with speeds exceeding 6,000 mph.

F-117 Nighthawk: Holloman AFB was the primary training and operational location for the F-117 stealth fighter from the 1980s until its retirement in 2008.

World altitude record: On February 28, 1995, a modified Streak Eagle F-15 from Holloman AFB broke the world altitude record for horizontal flight, reaching 102,000 feet.

First Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Training Squadron: Holloman AFB has been the primary location for training MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators since 2009, making it a key player in modern drone warfare.

Size of Operations:

Holloman AFB covers around 59,639 acres, making it one of the largest Air Force installations in the United States. It significantly impacts the local economy, as it employs thousands of military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors.

Number of Soldiers:

The number of personnel at Holloman AFB can fluctuate over time due to changes in mission requirements and deployments. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the base was home to approximately 21,000 people, including military personnel, dependents, civilian employees, and contractors. However, please note that these numbers may have changed since then.

Mission:

Holloman AFB's primary mission is to support air combat training for U.S. and allied forces. This includes hosting the 49th Wing, which trains F-16 Fighting Falcon and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators, and supporting the German Air Force Flying Training Center. Additionally, the base conducts operational testing and evaluation of various weapons systems through the 96th Test Group.

Holloman AFB plays a crucial role in maintaining the U.S. Air Force's and its allies' readiness, ensuring that pilots and airmen are well-trained and prepared to face a wide range of global threats.