F-16 Fighting Falcon News

April 14, 2006 (by Airman 1st class Stefanie Torres) - Despite the rigors of military operations in Iraq, including multiple attacks from insurgents, the 4th Fighter Squadron has proven it is more than ready to accomplish its mission at Balad Air Base, Iraq.
The 4th FS jets have been flying in the skies over Iraq every day since they arrived at the beginning of January. The "Fightin’ Fuujins" provide not only 24-hour on call close air support for coalition ground forces but also non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR), convoy escort, catch operations (monitoring enemy forces fleeing from a target) and Counter Improvised Explosive Device operations.

"The Fuujins are 100 percent committed to the joint team," said Lt. Col. Peter Gersten, 4th Fighter Squadron commander.

The squadron has been working nonstop supporting the mission. "There have been no weekends or holidays. In fact, once we complete our mission here, we will have flown more hours in the last four months than we flew all of last year," said Colonel Gersten.

Approximately 12 sorties are flown each day and morale is extremely high among the Airmen despite working long hours in the war zone.

"I am proud to serve my country. I have deployed with an outstanding squadron and I feel this is an experience that is worth joining the military for. The support from my family and friends has helped me through the homesickness," said Airman 1st Class Victoria Posey, aviation resource management apprentice.

The Airmen also feel that being deployed with the 4th FS is rewarding. "It has been very regarding knowing that everyday I am supporting, in some small way, the freedom of others. It is also nice to know that we are protecting American lives with every sortie that is successfully launched," said Airman 1st Class Mark Fredrickson, 4th FS life support technician.

The operators and maintainers have shown great work ethic and superb support, said Colonel Gersten. The maintainers are continuing to do what they love to do -- keep the jets flying in combat. "The Fuujins are made up of great American Airmen honored to serve their country in battle. I could not be more proud of my team," said Colonel Gersten. Unlike their traditional mission of employing weapons and destroying targets, their new mission is actually more focused on saving lives. On multiple occasions "Fuujin" F-16's have been asked to provide air presence during a ground fire-fight.

"The mere appearance of a 388th Fighter Wing F-16 showing up over an enemy ambush causes the insurgents to rapidly retreat. The insurgents know they can't take the fight," said the "Fuujin" commander. "There have been numerous occasions where ground forces have called us and thanked us for saving their lives."

Despite working long hours, the squadron has 100 percent focus on the mission. "They are well aware that if they are not ready, then others can't complete their mission and that may cost a life," said Colonel Gersten. "I know folks here are looking forward to getting home to their friends and families but, it's not unusual for me to be standing next to one of the jets and hear one of my crew chiefs say that if only they could see their family, they would stay here, continue this mission, and serve their country forever!"