Hobby Master Archive

Cesar Rodriguez (call sign RICO) joined the USAF in 1981 and served until 2006. In 1991 Rodriguez was assigned to the 33rd TFW/ 58th TFS and was flying F-15C 86-0169 during “Operation Desert Storm” when he downed an Iraqi MiG-29 and MiG-23. Eight years later on March 24, 1999 during “Operation Allied Force” Rodriguez was flying over Kosovo in an upgraded F-15C 86-0169 when he encountered Yugoslav pilot Major Ilijo Arizanov’s MiG-29. The MiG had been flying north but turned south to attack Rodriguez so he fired an AMRAAM destroying the target.