Jim Franklin flies his Red Rocket over a Boeing E-3D 'Sentry' AWACS aircraft in NATO 1949-1999 OTAN 50th Anniversary livery.
E-3D 'Sentry' - NATO's Airborne Early Warning Force. In December 1978, the Alliance decided to buy and operate an airborne early warning system, beginning NATO"s largest commonly-funded acquisition programme. Thirteen of NATO's 16 nations are partners in the venture. The United Kingdom contributes financially to the program, but elected to create their own unit consisting of seven E-3D aircraft. While the Force's principal role is early warning air surveillance. It also provides effective control and communications support for counter-air, close air support, rescue, reconnaissance and airlift operations. -[Program]

Photo by Craig on Saturday, August 21, 1999 at the Fargo AirSho.