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“Dylan is not only our youngest pilot, but he has a deep legacy within our wing as well. What did Marks do to celebrate his 7000th hour? “I wanted to fly with the youngest guy in the squadron, which happened to be Lieutenant Dylan Mackey” said Marks. “Let’s just say I am glad he is on our side.” Michael Leonas, 442d Operations Group commander. “Karl has over 1150 combat hours, with so many memorable mission from Desert Storm I, Desert Storm II, and from Afghanistan” said Col. “No words can describe the caliber of leader and fighter pilot we have in our squadron.” Ryan Hodges, 303rd Fighter Squadron commander, as he presented Marks’ 7000-hour plaque. 358 combat sorties in the A-10…just incredible” said Lt. If you stick around on a Friday afternoon, you may even hear a war story or two.” He is an outstanding attack pilot he loves to fly, and his knowledge is an invaluable resource for the squadron. “He has been leading the Air Force in this platform for a long time.
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Mike Schultz, 442d Fighter Wing Commander. “Karl achieved 7,000 hours in a single aircraft type – what an incredible feat!” said Brig. The technology has changed over time and our adversaries’ threats have also changed. “Even after 32 years, it hasn’t gotten old. He is well-known for destroying 23 Iraqi tanks in a trio of missions. Marks’ story spans over three decades, beginning during the Cold War. Marks’ resume boasts thirteen combat deployments in multiple theaters of operations, and he said that the best part of his job is being able to “mentor and fly with the next generation of fighter pilots.” 1, 2021, as he became the only pilot to reach 7,000 hours in the A-10C Thunderbolt II in addition to becoming one of the highest-time fighter pilots in the U.S.
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John “Karl” Marks, an Air Force Reserve pilot assigned to the 442d Fighter Wing made history Sept.