Tigers return from Afghanistan
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado, Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney, 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
/ Published May 05, 2017
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing were welcomed home by family and friends during homecoming events, May 4-5.
The 79th Fighter Squadron and 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 79th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, otherwise known as the “Tigers,” deployed for six-months to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
While deployed, the Tigers supported Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, which focuses on assisting the country’s people and government, training and advising the Afghan military as well as continuing counter-insurgency operations.
“The Tigers deployed to a strategically important part of the world, strengthening our partners and destroying our enemies when necessary,” said Col. Daniel Lasica, 20th Fighter Wing commander. “They showed the world what being a Shaw Weasel is all about through toughness, competence and ownership. They met every challenge with a warrior ethos and exceeded all expectations. Job well done, Tigers.”
During the homecoming event, Team Shaw members waited for the Tigers to return, displaying handmade signs and waving U.S. flags.
“(I’m) beyond excited and relieved to have him back home,” said Amanda Williams, Team Shaw spouse. “Everyone’s super excited and can’t wait for life to get back to normal.”
Airmen gained knowledge and insight to bring back to their units and assist them in future deployments.
“I feel like working on the flightline while deployed gave me a lot of hands-on loading experience,” said Airman 1st Class Kevin Harrington, 20thAMXS, 79th AMU weapons load crew member. “There’s a lot of knowledge to be gained while you’re deployed.”
Through continuous support in deployed environments, 20th FW Airmen prove themselves prepared to provide combat-ready airpower, anytime, anywhere.