The second F-16 Squadron assigned to the 224th Fighter Wing in Roca Roja was a controversial choice for the OADF leadership. Historically the 161st Fighter Squadron had been one of the primary instructional units for pilots assigned to the F-16 airframe, and for the past fifteen years had been the hosts of the Chaldea Exercise held at Arixo Air Base yearly. When asked about it, Squadron Commander Major Diamante McCue explained “Whether we like it or not, the F-16 is on its way to replacement in the coming decade. Already three historic Viper squadrons have replaced their aging airframes with the newer and more capable F-35. The way I see it, the Desperados going out as an operational squadron is the best case scenario. And while our day may come soon for the final flight of the F-16, while we’re out here we're going to make a difference and show what the Vipers can really do.”
