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We were F-15 C and D models. (Amazing that, that long ago, the A and B models were already being retired..think about that, and here it is 30 years later, and the E model is still a front line fighter).

We were an Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU). There were three in that squadron:

7th AMU "Bunyaps" (blue tails), 8th AMU "Black Sheep" (yellow tails), 9th AMU "Iron Knights" (red tails).

We had 25 planes apiece.

Those were the transition days between Carter and Reagan, didn't have much money, so each AMU had at least one "Hangar Queen", a bird in the hangar to be cannibalized for spare parts to keep the other birds flying.

Of course it was "illegal" to have Hangar Queens. Yeah, right. We did it anyway. Damned if you did, damned if you didn't.

The yellow tails I worked on have been sitting in the Boneyard for years. Wish I could go out there and lay my hands on them, but it would probably make me cry. Seems such a long time ago.