‘Wild Weasels’ Say They Got Job Done

“Baghdad lit up like a Christmas tree,” the commander of the U.S. “Wild Weasel” pilots told reporters after a four-hour mission over the Iraqi capital early Thursday.

“I saw the most fantastic fireworks demonstration,” said Lt. Col. George Walton, the squadron’s commander, as he stepped down from his F-4G plane.

Walton, a native of San Antonio, Tex., said all 12 planes in his squadron returned safely after attacking launchers for surface-to-air missiles (SAMs).

“I fired my two missiles and all 24 in my squadron were fired and well-targeted,” he told reporters.

He did not identify the targets, saying only that they were around the perimeter of Baghdad.

Asked if the Weasels met resistance, he said there was a lot of ground fire, including tracer shells.

“I saw at least one SAM launched but it was far away,” said Walton, looking physically drained after his trip and his face deeply marked by his oxygen mask.

Military officials said the F-4Gs refueled twice in the air.

After-burners glowing in the darkness, about 60 U.S. aircraft had taken off from this base to join the allied air offensive to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. Under military censorship rules, correspondents were barred from disclosing the name of the base.

Before they took off, maintenance crews and mechanics cheered and waved clenched fists as the jets taxied on the tarmac past a U.S. flag illuminated by floodlights.

One hour later, the Wild Weasels--wave after wave of F/A-18 Hornet fighter-bombers--left at 15-second intervals loaded with bombs and missiles designed to lock onto and destroy radar.

They also included AE-6B Prowler electronic aircraft that can jam enemy communications and A-6E all-weather night attack airplanes.

Col. Merrill (Ron) Karp, commander of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing to which the “Wild Weasel” squadron belongs, was visibly delighted that all his pilots had returned.

“We must keep the pressure on,” he told reporters. “We cannot assume it is over.”