388th FW Airmen return from Iraq

  • Published
  • By Maj. Bernadette Dozier
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Close to 300 Airmen from the 388th Fighter Wing, and about 20 Reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing, returned to U.S. soil May 28 from a four-month deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

On the following Sunday, more 388th FW members and jets returned home.

In January, F-16s, pilots, maintainers and support personnel from the 388th FW and 4th Fighter Squadron deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit's primary mission was to maintain security and stability in the region by providing overwatch and close air support for coalition ground forces.

It was a very successful deployment, according to Col. Scott Dennis, 388th Fighter Wing commander.

"We sent 300 Airmen to Iraq and 300 came home safely to their loved ones," he said.

"And the work they did over there was phenomenal -- I am very proud of their accomplishments."

The 4th FS flew more than 1,400 combat sorties and logged more than 6,000 combat hours.

"Our Airmen are truly world-class when it comes to flying and fixing jets," he said. "Through their professionalism, hard work and dedication to their nation and to the mission, they saved countless lives of our fellow soldiers, sailors and Marines."