'Black Widows' deploy for more combat

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stefanie Torres
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The 'Black Widows' were the first active duty F-16 unit to deploy to Balad Air Base, Iraq, and are there for the second time executing their third deployment supporting Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. 

The 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed at the beginning of May for a four-month Air and Space Expeditionary Force deployment. 

They have been given a chance to actually see their efforts put into effect and look at the constant change that Iraq has gone through due to the U.S. military. 

"We are a nation at war. I am excited we can be a part of the Global War on Terror and the reshaping of Iraq," said Lt Col. Mark Cline, the 421st EFS commander. 

The 421st EFS has approximately 200 Airmen deployed now to Iraq, including the 421st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit under the leadership of Capt. Mark Sloan. 

"Without maintenance and the operations support Airmen, we would only have a bunch of expensive static displays and Type A personalities," said Lt Colonel Cline. 

The squadron is working around the clock flying an average of 10 sorties a day. Their job in Iraq is to cover the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen on the ground. They do this by executing Non-Traditional Intel, Surveillance and Reconnaissance using the LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod. 

The training during the Operation Readiness Exercises and Inspection held last November, has helped them be more prepared for combat. "We have trained at home and are now executing at the joint/coalition level," said Colonel Cline. 

"Having the opportunity to actively work with combined ground forces gives coming to work everyday that extra sense of excitement you can never experience back on the home front," said Senior Airman James Sankey, 421st EFS intelligence operations apprentice. 

The 421st EFS also provides the conventional and non-conventional ground commander with a unique perspective. "During raid operations, we can see things the heroes on the ground cannot." This allows the pilots to communicate the events to the ground team so the ground commander can make more effective decisions. The pilots can track the bad guys, or 'squirters,' leaving the scene and provide the ground unit with information on where they are hiding, explained the commander. "Our brothers on the ground never have to worry about being attacked by the enemy from the air. Some have even told me they love hearing the aircraft overhead." 

But it isn't all work and no play this time around. Toby Keith flew in and performed for the Airmen as part of his USO tour he does every year. "We were all very excited to have the chance to see him in concert. We really appreciate him taking the time, effort and risk to come perform at Balad," said Colonel Cline. 

They have also set goals for things they want to accomplish in their off-time. Many of the operations and maintenance Airmen volunteer at the Theater Hospital or Aero Medical Squadron. "They spend their time cleaning up or just talking to the wounded Americans," said Col. Cline. 

"I am extremely proud of each and every ops and maintenance professional. They are doing great things every day...they make me smile," said Colonel Cline.
The 421st EFS is due to come back to the Hill Air Force Base in the middle of September.