More Gunfighters deploy to Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Erin Tindell
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (ACCNS) --  Nearly 250 Airmen here hugged loved ones goodbye and boarded a plane Jan. 8 to deploy to southwest Asia in support of the Global War on Terror.

The Airmen - including aircraft maintainers, pilots and weapon systems officers - will likely deploy for four months to various installations in the area. The wing will also deploy F-15E Strike Eagles to provide air to ground support in the region.

While the thought of being away from family and friends for a while could be nerve-racking to some, some Airmen stood ready and willing to go.

"I'm ready to go because this is what we train for," said Staff Sgt. Sara Trent, 391st Aircraft Maintenance Unit maintainer. "It'll be very fast-paced, but we're prepared to press with whatever tasks we need to accomplish."

Despite the large group of Airmen leaving the base, the mission on base will still remain the same, said Lt. Col. Stephen Vangundy, an F-15E pilot with the 391st Fighter Squadron.

"We're an air expeditionary wing and always stand ready to deploy," the colonel said. "The Gunfighters back home will keep things running until we return."

According to Lt. Col. David Belz, 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, the Airmen are among the best and brightest the country has to offer.

"We're looking forward to them getting on the road and getting done with their mission," said Colonel Belz.

Another group of 50 Airmen from the 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron hit the road Jan. 7 for deployment also. By March, nearly 1,100 Gunfighters will be deployed around the world supporting the fight against terrorism.