Members of the 354th Fighter Squadron and 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron recently deployed from D-M.
The first to leave were a complement of operators and maintainers, flying out Sept. 24. The pilots followed in their aircraft Sept. 26. The squadrons deployed members to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The deploying members will fly and maintain the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an aircraft specifically designed for close air support that provides accurate weapons delivery, and survivability to operations.
The fighter jet has participated in operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Provide Comfort, Desert Fox, Noble Anvil, Deny Flight, Deliberate Guard, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
The units deployed approximately 400 personnel and 20 aircraft.
“Over the last six months, the men and women of the 354th FS and 355th AMXS have done a superb job preparing to support operations in Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Luce, 354th FS commander. “Their efforts have been nothing short of spectacular and are a true testament of their dedication to the mission. I am proud to work alongside each and every one of them.”
Bagram Airfield is home to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, which serves U.S. Air Forces Central and provides close air support, combat search rescue, aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and airlift capabilities to U.S. and coalition forces supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
It is located in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan, approximately 30 miles north of Kabul, and is home to approximately 2,000 Airmen at any given time.
D-M currently has nearly 800 Airmen deployed in support of operations around the world.
(Courtesy photo)U. S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft taxi down the runway as they prepare to takeoff for Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The aircraft and personnel will spend six months at the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, flying and maintaining the A-10 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
