Early F-16 Pilot Retires

Posted 31 May 2013

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Photo by A1C Daniel Blackwell

Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, a member of the US Air Force’s first F-16 training class, retired 31 May 2013 after a thirty-five year service career. Wells entered undergraduate pilot training at Laughlin AFB, Texas, in October 1978 as one of twelve Airmen selected to fly the F-16. After completing two additional training assignments, he joined the 4th Fighter Squadron at Hill AFB, Utah, the first F-16 to reach initial operational capability. Wells, who recorded more than 2,800 flight hours in the F-16, U-2, and KC-10, retired as commander of Ninth Air Force at Shaw AFB, South Carolina.

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