Theaviationist iconTheaviationistSep 11, 2026

“Nobody Else Was Flying”: An F-16 Pilot Recalls the Morning of 9/11

Michigan ANG pilot Tom Froling was airborne on a routine training mission when America came under attack. Hours later, his squadron was loading live missiles and ammunition for combat air patrols over the United States.

“Nobody Else Was Flying”: An F-16 Pilot Recalls the Morning of 9/11

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Michigan ANG pilot Tom Froling was airborne on a routine training mission when America came under attack.

Hours later, his squadron was loading live missiles and ammunition for combat air patrols over the United States.

We spoke with him 25 years later about that day and what followed.

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Michigan ANG pilot Tom Froling was airborne on a routine training mission when America came under attack. Hours later, his squadron was loading live missiles and ammunition for combat air patrols over the United States. We spoke with him 25 years later about that day and what followed.

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  • We spoke with him 25 years later about that day and what followed.

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