Gunfighters deploy to support Operation Enduring Freedom

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Approximately 200 Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, deployed March 12 to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Airmen will support F-15E overseas contingency missions designed to deliver combat airpower for joint operations to meet combatant commander requirements. The group was made up of a variety of non-aviation roles who will conduct a range of tasks to ensure the success of providing critical combat power capabilities in that region of the world.

The Airmen are a part of the more than 300 who are deploying from the base to support the flying operations of the 391st Fighter Squadron "Bold Tigers." The unit will potentially conduct combat operations throughout their deployment.

The squadron has conducted several months of training in preparation for this specific mission, and according to their leadership, they are ready to take on the challenge.

"We have spent the past six months preparing for this deployment," said Lt. Col. David Brynteson, 391st FS commander. "We are excited to get out there and defend our nation and the troops on the ground through close-air support missions."

Of the hundreds of people leaving on this wave, many stated getting the job done was priority number one and missing loved ones would be the toughest task.

"I'm looking forward to this deployment," said Tech Sgt. Keith White, 366th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector. "I will miss my family a lot but this mission of defending our nation is extremely important."

The last time the 391st FS deployed was in 2010.