Operation Iraqi Freedom

USAF F-16C block 30 #87-0221, deployed from the 160th FS, taxis its way through all the dust prior to taking off on a mission in support of OIF on July 11th, 2006 at Balad AB. [USAF photo by A1C. Andrew Oquendo]

USAF F-16C block 25 #84-1310 from the 163rd FS assigned to 332nd EFS, Balad AB taxis into position prior to launch on a mission in support of OIF on May 15th, 2006. [USAF photo by A1C. Andrew Oquendo]

USAF F-16C block 50 #90-0805 (marked 35 OG) from the 14th FS and deployed with the 14th EFS stands ready at Balad AB on January 30th, 2009 to take to the skies in support of the 2009 Iraqi provincial elections. [USAF photo by SrA. Elizabeth Rissmiller]

USAF F-16C block 50 #90-0802 from the 14th FS and deployed with the 14th EFS conducts close-air support operations over Iraq on February 17th, 2009, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. [USAF photo by SSgt. James L. Harper Jr.]

USAF F-16C block 50s #94-0038 & #91-0382 both from the 13th FS conduct close air support operations over Iraq on February 17th, 2009, in support of OIF. [USAF photo by SSgt. James L. Harper Jr.]

USAF F-16C block 50s #90-0802 (14 FS) & #92-3892 (13 FS) conduct close air support operations over Iraq on February 17th, 2009, in support of OIF. [USAF photo by SSgt. James L. Harper Jr.]

USAF F-16C block 50 #92-3892 from the 13th FS conducts close air support operations over Iraq on February 17th, 2009, in support of OIF. [USAF photo by SSgt. James L. Harper Jr.]

USAF F-16C block 50 #92-3892 from the 13th FS conducts close air support operations over Iraq on February 17th, 2009, in support of OIF. [USAF photo by SSgt. James L. Harper Jr.]

A USAF F-16C block 50, deployed with the 14th EFS, conducts close air support operations over Iraq on February 17th, 2009 in support of OIF. [USAF photo by SSgt. James L. Harper Jr.]

Lt. Gen. Gary North, Air Forces Central commander, salutes after returning from a combat sortie in F-16C block 50 #91-0351 from the 22nd FS flown on July 17th, 2009. F-16s from the 22nd FS at Spangdahlem AB are assigned to Balad AB in support of OIF. [USAF photo by SSgt. Heather Norris]

USAF F-16C block 50 #96-0080 from the 23rd FS approaches a 340th EARS KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for refueling on July 28th, 2009 over Iraq in support of OIF. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael B. Keller]

USAF F-16C block 30 #87-0262 from the 176th FS sits prepped for it's flight to Iraq on September 22nd, 2009. The 115th launched 14 F-16s early Tuesday morning as a part of the Wing's scheduled AEF rotation that began last week when approximately 200 Airmen deployed to theater. [USAF photo by SSgt. Ashley Bell]

Airmen watch as F-16C block 50 #01-7052 from the 79th EFS advances to its designated parking spot after receiving an inspection at Bagram AB on October 11th, 2009. The aircraft recieve inspections before takeoff and after landing to ensure the safety of the aircraft and pilot. [USAF photo by SrA. Felicia Juenke]

Lt.Col. Bradford 'Francis' Everman lifts off the runway at Balad AB in F-16C block 30 #86-0209 from the 121st FS on April 28th, 2010. Colonel Everman is also a Flight Commander at the 177th FW located in Egg Harbor Township. [USAF photo by MSgt. Andrew J. Moseley]

Capt. Alan 'Tua' Talbert, 332nd EFS and Lt.Col. Bradford 'Francis' Everman, 332nd EFS Commander, perform pre-flight checks on F-16C block 30s #85-1559 from the 175th FS & #86-0209 from the 121st FS prior to departing on CAPs from Balad AB on April 28th, 2010. [USAF photo by MSgt. Andrew J. Moseley]