Celebrating a Milestone: 55,555 GAF FTC Flight Hours at Holloman AFB
On October 13, 2009, a specially painted Panavia Tornado (45+99) touched down at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, marking an extraordinary achievement: the completion of 55,555 flight hours by the German Air Force Flying Training Center (GAF FTC). I had the honour to visit the Luftwaffe team at Holloman AFB back then and take the very first photos of this cool looking jet.
Ceremony Highlights & Symbol of Alliance
Immediately after landing, commanders Col. Peter Klement (GAF FTC) and Col. Jeff Harrigian (49th Fighter Wing) attended a commemorative ceremony alongside U.S. and German personnel.
“Fundamentally, this is in appreciation of all the hard work that the German Flying Training Center has undergone… and for them to allow me to be a part of it is really an honor.”
— Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing Commander
Col. Klement highlighted the partnership of the Luftwaffe and USAF at Holloman:
“This milestone is based on friendship with the community, friendship with Holloman and a lot of dedication and professionalism of our men and women at the flying training center… This could not be possible without our friends at Holloman Air Force Base and the community of Alamogordo.”
Painting the Moment: Tornado 45+99
The commemorative Tornado 45+99 received a vivid and symbolic paint scheme selected from a design competition led by aircraft painter Tina McClain. The winning design by Senior Airman Kiro Pinter was inspired by the Transformer movie, which was partly shot at Holloman AFB. The 55.555 flight hours anniversary is featured by a cartoon-style blue clock running across the fuselage—it is still counting and symbolizing the motto “to keep it going!”
The detailed five-week paint job also included:
- The New Mexico state flag combined with the Luftwaffe’s Iron Cross, representing the FT’s emblem, on the belly
- The Organ Mountains on the right tail and Sierra Blanca on the left tail
- A small UFO with two green alien pilots—a playful nod to nearby Roswell
- German national colors blended across the wings
- A cockpit-side clock showing 55,555 hours and still counting
Col. Harrigian, who took part in the commemorative flight, later described that “flying in this airplane which is painted up in this spectacular fashion was very cool.”
Formation, Uniforms & Community
The ceremony included a striking formation flight with two Tornados, visible from the ground by event attendees. Shortly after the event, GAF members assembled into five groups of 55 personnel, symbolizing the 55.555 flight hours and each group representing a different uniform of the German Air Force — symbolizing the diversity and discipline of the unit.
All in all, the celebration marked over 13 years of partnership and professionalism. Col. Klement expressed hope that this milestone would represent the halfway point, not the end, of their mission in New Mexico.
Why Holloman? Ideal Conditions for Excellence
Since 1996, Holloman AFB has served as the primary training location for German Air Force Tornado crews. The choice was strategic: ideal weather conditions providing more than 340 flying days per year, expansive airspace, access to high-end U.S. training ranges, and proximity to the German Air Defense Center at Fort Bliss made Holloman the perfect environment.
At its peak, up to 25 Tornados were based in New Mexico. Though the GAF FTC’s mission concluded in March 2019, the legacy of international military cooperation endures.
This post also honors the legacy of the German Air Force Flying Training Center and the enduring friendship between Germany and the United States. It was always visit to Holloman each and every time I went there.
Photo Gallery
Additionally to the festivities of the 55.555 flight hours of Luftwaffe’s FTC Tornados in the afternoon that day I have had the possibility to photograph also the regular Tornados at Holloman. Many thanks go out to all of the German Team at Holloman who gave me such a reception and made all these photos possible. Dankeschön to the GAF FTC and Holloman AFB for their hospitality and access during this historic event! Below is a selection of images showcasing:
- The commemorative Tornado 45+99 up close
- Formation flights and ceremony highlights
- Daily Luftwaffe Tornado operations at Holloman AFB
Discovering White Sands National Monument
No visit to Holloman is complete without a stop at the nearby White Sands National Monument. This breathtaking natural wonder consists of vast fields of white gypsum sand dunes, stretching as far as the eye can see. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the dunes shimmer with golden and pink hues under the fading New Mexico light.
It’s a tranquil contrast to the roar of jet engines and a reminder of the beauty surrounding this historic training ground.
