An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Truax Field, Madison, Wis., takes-off from Truax Field Oct. 11, 2021 for the unit’s deployment to the Middle East. The 115th FW and its active associate, the 378th Fighter Squadron, deployed approximately 300 Airmen and a handful of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia to provide agile combat air support for U.S. Central Command operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cameron Lewis)
Approximately 300 Airmen and a number of F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to Madison’s 115th Fighter Wing arrived at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, earlier this week.
During the unit’s final deployment with the F-16 aircraft, Wisconsin Air National Guardsmen and Airmen of the 115th FWs active associate, the 378th Fighter Squadron, will be joining the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing to provide agile combat air support for U.S. Central Command operations throughout the Middle East.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nate Vanderwaal, an aerospace propulsion specialist assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Maintenance Squadron, Truax Field, Madison, Wis., loads luggage into an aircraft Oct. 9, 2021 on the flight line at Truax Field. The 115th FW and its active associate, the 378th Fighter Squadron, deployed approximately 300 Airmen and a handful of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cameron Lewis)
“We have answered our call time and time again with professionalism, dedication to duty, and unwavering excellence,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Bart Van Roo, the commander of the 115th FW. “As you embark on our last deployment in the F-16, I want you to enjoy this tremendous opportunity for our great team.”
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Truax Field, Madison, Wis., prepares for takeoff in an F-16 Oct. 11, 2021. The 115th FW and its active associate, the 378th Fighter Squadron, deployed approximately 300 Airmen and a handful of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia to provide agile combat air support for U.S. Central Command operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cameron Lewis)
While Truax Field’s F-16s are scheduled to be replaced with the F-35 Lightning II aircraft in 2023, it’s important to note the unit has flown over 49,000 sorties around the world in support of both state and federal missions.
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 378th Fighter Squadron, Truax Field, Madison, Wis., prepares for takeoff Oct. 11, 2021. The 115th FW and its active associate, the 378th Fighter Squadron, deployed approximately 300 Airmen and a handful of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia to provide agile combat air support for U.S. Central Command operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cameron Lewis)
“Thank you for your dedication to your communities, and to our great state,” said Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. “I am confident that you will perform your federal mission overseas with the same tenacity and dedication you have shown in supporting the missions asked of you here at home.”
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing and its active associate, the 378th Fighter Squadron, both located on Truax Field, Madison, Wis., take their first steps towards the beginning of their deployment Oct. 9, 2021. The 115th FW and its active associate, the 378th Fighter Squadron, deployed approximately 300 Airmen and a handful of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia to provide agile combat air support for U.S. Central Command operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cameron Lewis)
