Operation Iraqi Freedom

Capt. Patrick Noonan prepares to take off in an F-16 on an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission from Balad AFB. Captain Noonan is deployed to the 510th EFS from Aviano AFB. February 13th, 2007. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael R. Holzworth]

A1C Stephen Tyler pulls the chocks and moves away from F-16C block 40 #88-0443 before a mission from Balad AB. Airman Tyler is assigned to the 332nd EAMS from Aviano AFB. February 13th, 2007. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael R. Holzworth]

Two F-16s from the 510th EFS taxi toward the runway for a mission from Balad AFB. The 510th FS is deployed from Aviano AFB on February 13th, 2007. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael R. Holzworth]

Capt. Patrick Noonan goes over a pre-flight checklist before departing in an F-16 on a OIF mission from Balad AFB. Capt. Noonan is deployed to the 510th EFS from Aviano AFB. February 13th, 2007. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael R. Holzworth]

A1C Stephen Tyler emerges from under F-16C block 40 #88-0443 after removing the safety pins before a mission from Balad AFB. Airman Tyler is assigned to the 332nd EAMS from Aviano AFB. February 13th, 2007. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael R. Holzworth]

Lt Col. Chris 'Crash' Ashby, 332nd AEW sits in an F-16 and goes over his checklist one more time before departing on a combat mission over Iraq on January 29th, 2007. Colonel Ashby is the 20th FW chief of safety at Shaw AFB. He is currently serving a 120-day deployment in Iraq. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael R. Holzworth]

A Misawa pilot in F-16C block 50 #90-0808 gives a 'good to go' signal before taking off from Balad for a mission over Iraq on February 7th, 2007. Pilots often fly American flags over Iraq and sign a certification to present to Airmen. The 14th FS was the third expeditionary fighter squadron to stand up at Balad when the Misawa squadron deployed there in January. [USAF photo]

A Misawa pilot gives a 'good to go' signal before taking off from Balad for a mission over Iraq on February 7th, 2007. The 14th FS was the third expeditionary fighter squadron to stand up at Balad when the Misawa squadron deployed there in January. [USAF photo]

Capt. Jeffrey Campbell holds Flat Stanley, a member of Mrs. Principata's 3rd Gr. Class of Stephens Elem., Burlington after a mission over Iraq with Lt.Col. Ken Madura. Flat Stanley has been traveling the world for months and will soon return to school. The Flat Stanley project began in 1995 when teachers from 7 Canadian and 6 US schools wanted to find a way to get their students interested in writing. [USAF photo]

USAF F-16C block 30 #85-1490 from the 107th FS is piloted by LtCol. Willam Hargrove, from the Michigan ANG. Hargrove gives a salute to his Crew Chief, before taking off for a mission at Kirkuk AB during OIF on April 28th, 2004. [USAF photo by MSgt. Glenn Wilkewitz]

USAF F-16C block 30 #85-1487 from the 107th FS Michigan ANG is seen preparing to take off on a mission. The jet is deployed as part of the 107th EFS at Kirkuk AB on March 13th, 2004. [USAF photo by MSgt. Glenn Wilkewitz]

MSgt. Natalie Bigham in front of USAF F-16C block 30 #85-1499 from the 107th EFS, takes the Soldier's Oath of Allegiance during her reenlistment ceremony at Freedom AB, Kirkuk in support of OIF on March 23rd, 2004. [USAF photo by MSgt. Glenn Wilkewitz]

USAF F-16C block 30 #86-0243 from the 149th EFS, soars over the skies of Iraq in support of OIF on September 27th, 2003. [USAF photo by SSgt. Lee A. Osberry Jr.]

USAF F-16C block 52 #93-0543 flown by the Commander of the 157th EFS South Carolina ANG, with the call sign 'D-Dawg', signals to his Crew Chief from the cockpit of his F-16C, before deploying for a mission with the 379th AEW in Southwest Asia, supporting OIF on April 11th, 2003 [USAF photo by SMSgt. Edward E. Synder]

USAF Crew Chief from the 157th EFS South Carolina ANG stands at the ready to taxi his F-16C, while deployed with the 379th AEW in Southwest Asia, supporting OIF on April 11th, 2003. [USAF photo by SMSgt. Edward E. Snyder]