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New York National Guard's 174th prepares for deployment
March 22, 2006 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
The 174th Fighter Wing is training for its largest single deployment since it went overseas during the Persian Gulf War 15 years ago.
More than 400 Air National Guard personnel from Syracuse-based unit are expected to participate in the deployment to southwest Asia at the end of the year, said Col. Anthony B. Basile, the fighter wing's commander.
The unit's expected mission is to provide "close air support" for ground troops participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, Basile said. Operation Enduring Freedom includes the fight in Afghanistan.
The fighter wing's previous deployment was in the fall of 2003, when the unit's F-16 fighter pilots then flew missions in support of US troops engaged in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The 174th also was deployed during the first Persian Gulf War in 1991 where it supported Operations Desert Shield/Storm with 516 members.
The 174th was one of the only two Air National Guard units to fly combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. The unit received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with the "V" device for valor, during Operation Desert Storm.
USAF F-16A block 10 #79-0337 is used by the 174th FW at fairs and expositions for recruiting purposes. Here the left side detail is seen on August 23rd, 2004. [Photo by Philippe Colin]
The unit's expected mission is to provide "close air support" for ground troops participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, Basile said. Operation Enduring Freedom includes the fight in Afghanistan.
The fighter wing's previous deployment was in the fall of 2003, when the unit's F-16 fighter pilots then flew missions in support of US troops engaged in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The 174th also was deployed during the first Persian Gulf War in 1991 where it supported Operations Desert Shield/Storm with 516 members.
The 174th was one of the only two Air National Guard units to fly combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. The unit received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with the "V" device for valor, during Operation Desert Storm.
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