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Airmen deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri K. Larson
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  More than 250 Liberty Warriors deployed Jan. 3 to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

The Airmen will be in the deployed location for about four months, during which time, they will perform basic duties and responsibilities that they have here. 

"The main body left today (Jan. 3)," said Lt. Col. Matthew Finnegan, 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. "We have three more chalks with all our equipment and about 20 F-15 Strike Eagles deploying to the same location." 

He said this deployment has the most aircraft of any the 48th Fighter Wing has ever sent out. The jets are from the 492nd Fighter Squadron and their primary mission will be close-air support for U.S. and coalition forces. 

"We're here to support the mission," Colonel Finnegan said. "If support is needed, we'll do whatever is required to support the troops." 

Col. Jay Silveria, 48th FW commander, gave the Airmen a warm send off and wished them a safe and speedy return. 

"I want to thank the leadership and the Airmen for what they're doing for their country," he said. "Everyone will need to step up to make up for those who are deployed." 

He said, sometimes back home, it's busier than being in a deployed location. He stressed the importance of filling in the gaps and taking care of families. 

"We don't want our deployed Airmen distracted," Colonel Silveria said. "We're anxious to help out the families of those who are gone. It's very important to the mission to take care of our families."