D-M Airmen deploy to support OEF

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jake Richmond
  • 355th Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (ACCNS) --  More than 200 D-M Airmen are scheduled for deployment to Afghanistan this week in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Their deployment follows 50 Airmen from the 354th Fighter Squadron and 355th Maintenance Group here who also deployed to Afghanistan April 7, along with a number of the 355th Wing's A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. 

The 354th FS "Bulldogs" and the 355th MXG operate and maintain the A-10, an attack aircraft primarily used to provide close air support to Soldiers and Marines on the ground. A-10 missions also include combat search and rescue, and forward air control for other combat aircraft. The A-10 is employed against enemy ground forces throughout Afghanistan and Iraq.

"America's Airmen from Davis-Monthan are ready for combat," explained Col. Kent Laughbaum, 355th Wing commander. "Many of our Airmen are veterans of previous operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. Others will go to war for the first time. The A-10 has earned a tremendous reputation for combat effectiveness, particularly with Soldiers and Marines engaged in a close fight with the enemy. I know that Soldiers across Afghanistan look forward, with great anticipation, to the arrival or our Airmen and our A-10s. I can assure you that the enemy will feel differently.

"I am proud of these Airmen," Colonel Laughbaum added. "All are volunteers, and many chose to serve America after the attacks against our country on Sept. 11, 2001. Their sacrifices are significant, especially the long separation from family, friends and homeland. They are truly a noble generation."