"Here are the keys Biggles - knock yourself out!"

lol if only things could be that easy.

 

 

-DA

What is the transition process like? Do USN/USMC/USAF squadrons switch platforms all at once? For example, "Squadron Commander here is your 24 new aircraft so turn in the old ones by COB". Or is it a gradual process where the squadron operates and logistically supports two different platforms simultaneously until all the older platforms are gradually phased out while pilots are sent to platform specific training during the process. For example, "pilot, you and your ground crew are getting the new F-35 next month so you have to report to F-35 training next week. Have your ground crew inventory all of your old F-16s stuff and have it ready for turn in by next week..."

I remember that at one stage around 1985-87ish that when the Miracle was leaving RAAF sqns that one of them had outgoing Miracles, newly arrived Bugs as well as some Macchi's attached. I think it was the largest composite sqn in our history, boasting several platform types and around 40-50 odd jets. It hadn't helped that the Miracles had come back from Butterworth and that they were stilling building their new home at Tindal. Darwin was a busy place in those days!

 

Same has happened with RAN reliquishing their oxford blue Macchis to RAAF 2OCU. Several different jets/marks/user prefixes and all on the books under the one sqn name.

 

I dare say that overlaps like this happen all the time.