Last late summer I was with Fighter Pilot Dad out in the shop yard kibitzing black guns with a couple "civilians" when we all heard a funny jet (military aviation is rare) howl. We all turned and looked, Dad and I immediately turned back to each other and said "Aggressor" while the others just went "Huh." Dust blue camo F-5. First one I have ever seen in Montana, dunno why he was here. Still, kind of a neat little "together" moment -- Dadster ain't getting any younger but he still has eyes.
Was with the wife outside Nellis AFB one day. THEY HAVE MIG29's!! Talk about doing some real-world aggressor flying! I looked at the birds and did a double take. REAL Fulcrums!
The US acquired, tested and flew soviet fighters that were acquired from a variety of sources, including eh Israeli's, Egyptians, Indonesians and probably others. This is documented in the book "Red Eagles - America's Secret Migs" see: http://www.betterworldbooks.com/red-eagles-id-1846033780.aspx . I have a friend (retired USAF fighter pilot that knew several of the USAF Mig pilots. I only learned of his knowledge of the program when I gave him a copy of the book.
We also flew some Mig-29's from the Germans after reunification.
