480th FS deploys in support of Operation Inherent Resolve

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Meredith Mulvihill
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Members of the 480th Fighter Squadron and 480th Aircraft Maintenance Unit bid farewell to their families as they deployed to Southwest Asia April 7.

The squadron, which flies F-16 Fighting Falcons, will provide close air support and dynamic targeting operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

"It's exciting," said Lt. Col. Timothy Murphy, 480th FS commander. "Being able to see this unit come together, knowing that we have a tasking from above, that we need to get out there and accomplish our nation's objectives ... it's very exciting to be a part of that."

The 480th FS took part in a variety of exercises to prepare for the deployment, including Red Flag 15-3 in Las Vegas and bilateral training with the Hellenic air force in Souda Bay, Greece. They also geared their at-home training operations to focus on their upcoming mission down-range.

"Our people are well prepared," Murphy said. "Between all the flights, all the training, all the deployments they've been on over the last year, year-and-a-half, they're more than ready. These guys are awesome."

Approximately 300 Airmen from various specialties deployed in support of the operation. However, many more from across the base contributed to their successful departure.

"We're really proud of the effort the whole wing has done to help us out and get us out there," Murphy said. "We hope to make the wing proud in what we do down there."