KABUL – The U.S. Air Force has deployed F-16 Fighting Falcon fighteraircraft to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan on Oct. 25, 2019.

U.S. Airmen and equipment assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron, 20thAircraft Maintenance Squadron and other supporting units out of Shaw AirForce Base, S.C., arrived at Bagram, according to a recent service newsrelease.

Here as part of a scheduled rotation to the U.S. Central Command area ofresponsibility, the F-16 Fighting Falcons will directly support the 455thAir Expeditionary Wing’s extensive mission.

The 79th FS replaces the 176th Fighter Squadron, a part of the WisconsinAir National Guard.

“This turnover of F-16s allows us to continue delivering decisive airpowerthroughout the region,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. R. Scott Jobe,commander of the 455th AEW. “The support we provide allows NATO forces tofocus on their training, advising and assisting missions, among everythingelse our assets bring to the fight. It’s good to see the torch pass fromone great fighter squadron to another.”

The 455th AEW is one of two Air Force wings located within Afghanistan andsupports both Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO’s Resolute Supportmission.

The airpower the wing provides ensures NATO forces can focus on theirmissions, while simultaneously targeting terrorist groups that wish harmupon the Afghan and American people.