Col. Christopher Sage, 4th Fighter Wing commander, believes the F-15E is an imperative part to the Air Force mission and the future of combat air power.On Dec. 11, 2016 the iconic F-15E Strike Eagle celebrated its first flight 30th anniversary.Still today, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) considers the “Mudhen” (as the F-15E Strike Eagle is nicknamed by its aircrews) to be one of the most proficient multi-role, air-to-air and air-to-ground strike fighters in its inventory.In fact, after flying thousands of missions during worldwide combat operations, the aging F-15E is still relevant and capable of supporting current combatant commander’s requirements.As explained by Airman 1st Class Kenneth Boyton, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs in his article Strike Eagle still soars after 30 years, the F-15E was designed as a fighter bomber aircraft with a back seat for a second crew member to operate a ground attack weapons delivery system. The cockpit contains the latest advanced avionics, controls and displays. The redesigned airframe was built with a stronger structure allowing heavier takeoff weights and doubled the original F-15 Eagle’s service life.