F-15E Strike Eagle “Lucky”
Historical Background and Base Assignment
The F-15E Strike Eagle nicknamed “Lucky” (tail number 89-0'487') entered service in 1989 . It was delivered to the U.S. Air Force’s 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (tail code “SJ”) in North Carolina and assigned to the 335th Fighter Squadron “Chiefs” . This squadron – identified by the “SJ” tail code and a green fin flash – has a long, decorated history. “Lucky” became the squadron’s flagship jet and has remained with the 335th FS throughout its career . Over more than three decades of service, this Strike Eagle has been based at Seymour Johnson AFB and operated across the globe in multiple combat deployments, exemplifying the dual-role fighter’s durability and combat record.
Desert Storm and the Unique “Lucky" Kill
In early 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, “Lucky” made history with a one-of-a-kind aerial victory. On February 14, 1991, the jet’s crew – Capt. Richard “Tim” Bennett (pilot) and Capt. Dan Bakke (Weapons Systems Officer) – were vectored to assist a Special Forces team under threat from Iraqi Mil Mi-24 Hind helicopter gunships . Using their F-15E’s infrared targeting pod, they tracked the lead Hind and decided to engage it with a 2,000-pound GBU-10 Paveway II laser-guided bomb . In a remarkable feat, the bomb struck the Hind just as it lifted off, destroying the helicopter in mid-air – an air-to-air kill achieved with a bomb . This strike marked the first and only air-to-air kill ever recorded by an F-15E Strike Eagle . The achievement earned the jet its “Lucky” moniker, as such an improbable kill underscored a bit of battlefield luck (and skill) for the crew. The victory is commemorated on the aircraft with a green star “helo” kill marking on its nose, highlighting its unique place in F-15E history .
"A 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot in the cockpit of “Lucky” (F-15E #89-0487). Note the green star labeled “HELO” on the jet’s forward fuselage, signifying its Iraqi helicopter kill in 1991 . The row of bomb silhouettes below the star represents missions or weapons employed in combat."
This famous mission took place during a dusk mission known as “Packard 41,” when Bennett and Bakke were flying Scud-hunting patrols. After dropping through clouds at high speed to come to the aid of friendly forces, they released the bomb from about four miles out . The Hind was attempting to escape at low altitude when the bomb detonated, vaporizing the helicopter and forcing the remaining enemy helos to flee . The Special Forces team on the ground confirmed the kill once they were rescued. This extraordinary engagement — an F-15E downing a helicopter with a laser-guided bomb — cemented “Lucky”’s status as a legend within the Strike Eagle community.
Continued Service, Deployments, and Squadron Assignments
After Desert Storm, “Lucky” remained with the 335th Fighter Squadron (4th FW) and continued to serve with distinction. The aircraft has been deployed at least 17 times in support of combat operations as of the mid-2010s . These deployments span virtually every major conflict since 1991. In addition to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, F-15E #89-0487 saw action in the Balkans and Middle East throughout the 1990s and 2000s. It participated in Operation Deliberate Guard (the post-Bosnia peace enforcement), the Northern and Southern Watch no-fly zone operations over Iraq, as well as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom . Squadron archives note that “Lucky” has “demonstrated grit and fortitude in every major conflict since Desert Storm”, earning it the affectionate nickname “America’s Jet” among its maintainers . Throughout these assignments, the jet has always operated under the “SJ” tail code, flying out of Seymour Johnson AFB when at home station, and integrating into expeditionary squadrons (such as the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron) when deployed abroad .
Being the flagship jet of the 335th FS, “Lucky” often carried special markings and was kept in top condition by its crew chiefs. The green star from the 1991 helo kill remains a point of squadron pride, and over the years additional mission marks have been added for its extensive combat service . Despite the rigors of deployments and high operational tempo, the aircraft’s maintenance history has been excellent, with crews noting its reliable performance. “Lucky”’s enduring presence in the squadron’s lineup has made it a familiar and motivational sight for generations of 4th Fighter Wing aircrews – a living piece of the unit’s heritage that ties today’s Airmen to the legends of the past.
Record-Breaking Flight Hours and Legacy
Not only is “Lucky” famous for its combat kill, but it also holds record flight hours among all F-15 Eagles (including C/D models). This Strike Eagle was the first F-15 of any variant to reach 10,000 flight hours, a milestone achieved during a deployment to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan in 2012 . The 335th FS marked the occasion with a dedicated ceremony, recognizing that it took over 21 years of flying and over a million maintenance hours to reach that point . The jet subsequently became the first to log 12,000 hours (accomplished in August 2016 during Operation Inherent Resolve) . In that 2016 mission, the squadron commander himself piloted “Lucky” and added a new decal to celebrate the feat, noting that both the 10,000-hour and 12,000-hour milestones were fittingly reached in combat zones .
Most recently, “Lucky” surpassed 15,000 flight hours during a combat sortie on May 17, 2024 . Achieving 15,000 hours is extraordinary for a fighter aircraft – equivalent to flying nonstop for 624 days – well above the F-15E’s typical service life of ~10,000 hours . Air Force officials highlighted that this milestone, reached in a deployed combat environment after nearly 35 years of service, is a testament to the jet’s robust design and the dedication of maintainers who keep it airworthy . The crew chiefs who have tended “Lucky” over the years have literally put “blood, sweat and tears” into the jet, according to one longtime crew chief . They proudly refer to it as “America’s Jet”, reflecting how this single aircraft has embodied the enduring spirit and combat resilience of the USAF across generations .
Notable Achievements of “Lucky” (F-15E #89-0487):
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Only Strike Eagle with an Air-to-Air Kill: Destroyed an Iraqi Mi-24 Hind helicopter with a laser-guided bomb in 1991, the sole recorded F-15E air-to-air victory .
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Multiple Combat Deployments: Served in Desert Shield/Storm, Southern/Northern Watch, Balkan operations, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, and more – 17+ deploymentsover 30+ years .
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Squadron Flagship & Base: Longtime flagship of the 335th FS “Chiefs” at Seymour Johnson AFB (tail code “SJ”), with a distinctive green star kill marking and a reputation as a “workhorse” jet .
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Record Flight Hours: First F-15 (of any type) to log 10,000 hours (2012) ; first to 12,000 hours (2016) ; and over 15,000 hours by 2024 – far exceeding the standard service life, thanks to comprehensive maintenance and periodic upgrades.
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Legacy and Morale: Known affectionately as “Lucky” or “America’s Jet,” this Strike Eagle is a living legend that inspires aircrews. Its story – from the improbable Desert Storm kill to its marathon longevity – symbolizes the heritage, grit, and valor of the Strike Eagle community . Such a rich legacy adds authentic value to any commemorative item, making “Lucky” a perfect icon for a morale patch that celebrates USAF aviation history.
Sources: Reliable military and historical records have been used, including U.S. Air Force news releases and squadron archives detailing “Lucky”’s service record and milestones . These confirm the aircraft’s deployments, unique combat kill, base assignments, and its record-setting flight hours, ensuring an accurate and compelling story for enthusiasts and collectors. The legend of “Lucky” is well documented and continues to grow as the aircraft remains in active service, carrying its storied past into the missions of today.
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