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Heritage tailflash connects fighter wing to past

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Rojek
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  In medieval times, knights and royal families used heraldic symbols to identify themselves and remember their heritage.

With modern military traditions connected to that time of chivalry and honor, it's no wonder the 51st Fighter Wing is bringing back a symbol that promotes its heritage.

In December 2006, the 51st Maintenance Squadron corrosion element was tasked with creating a heritage "Checkertail" design for the tails of five command jets. Tech. Sgt. Steven Mersky, 51st MXS corrosion element chief, was put in charge of the project.

"I (researched) how the tailflash used to look back in the Korean conflict," said Sergeant Mersky. "I came up with a couple of designs and put a package together to submit to 7th Air Force."

His design was approved in April and work began immediately on the five jets, which include: 25th Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Squadron, 51st FW, 7th Air Force and 51st Operations Group. Two F-16s have been finished, with one more being completed this week. One A-10 Thunderbolt II has also been completed, with one more in the works.

It takes three-day's time to complete each jet, with the majority of that spent allowing the paint to cure. The new design adds a large black and grey checker design in lieu of an "OS" and Pacific Air Forces shield. The Mustang design is painted a bit smaller and the tip of the tail is plain red and green, with no checker design.

The "Checkertail" design first appeared on P-51 Mustangs of the 51st Fighter Group's 25th Fighter Squadron during World War II, according to John Okonski, 51st Fighter Wing historian. It was revived in June or July of 1952 by the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing.

Knowing how much history is involved with this design, Sergeant Mersky said this is a great project to be a part of.

"I am very proud to have been able to be a part of it," he said. "I believe it gives you a greater sense of belonging and instills pride knowing where your 'roots' came from."

Brig. Gen. Joe Reynes, 51st FW commander, was the first to have the heritage design painted on his F-16. He has since flown the new design three times.

This project was started to bring the 51st FW heritage to life on modern aircraft, said Brig. Gen. Reynes.

"It connects us to our past," he said. "This is who we are and it is what we do. Our outstanding navigational heritage provides us perspective on which to base our future accomplishments."