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55th FS ‘Shooters’ return from deployment

By Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado, 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published May 14, 2019

An F-16CM Viper lands on the runway returning from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 30, 2019.
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An F-16CM Viper lands on the runway returning from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 30, 2019. Approximately 20 F-16s deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron (FS) return from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 30, 2019.
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U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron (FS) return from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 30, 2019. The 55th FS deployed alongside the 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and other supporting units in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron taxis on the runway after returning from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 30, 2019.
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A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron taxis on the runway after returning from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 30, 2019. Airmen spent more than six months away from their families in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron and 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit as well as supporting units return from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2019.
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U.S. Airmen assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron and 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit as well as supporting units return from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2019. Approximately 20 F-16 Vipers and 400 Airmen deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

A deployer greets his loved ones following a return from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2019.
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A deployer greets his loved ones following a return from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2019. The Airmen deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Austin Gorbet, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapon load crew chief, embraces his son after returning from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2019.
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U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Austin Gorbet, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapon load crew chief, embraces his son after returning from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2019. More than 400 Airmen and approximately 20 F-16CM Vipers deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

Team Shaw leadership greets U.S. Airmen returning from deployment at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2019.
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Team Shaw leadership greets U.S. Airmen returning from deployment at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2019. Airmen spent more than six months away from their families in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron (FS) embraces their loved one after returning from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 30, 2019.
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A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron (FS) embraces their loved one after returning from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 30, 2019. The 55th FS deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

A U.S. Airman embraces a loved one on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. May 4, 2019.
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A U.S. Airman embraces a loved one on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. May 4, 2019. The Airmen deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. military's operation for the military intervention against the Islamic State. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny)

A U.S. Airman returns home to his family on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. May 4, 2019.
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A U.S. Airman returns home to his family on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. May 4, 2019. Airmen spent several months away from their families in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force by Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny)

A U.S. Airman hugs a loved one on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. May 4, 2019.
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A U.S. Airman hugs a loved one on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. May 4, 2019. More than 400 Airmen and approximately 20 F-16CM Vipers deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operations Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny)

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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- U.S. Airmen assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, as well as supporting units, returned from deployment April 30 - May 7.

More than 400 Airmen and approximately 20 F-16CM Vipers deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, the military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

“The squadron is beyond proud and thankful for our Shooters taking the fight to the enemy,” said Lt. Col. Charles Fallon, 55th FS commander. “Our men and women put a lot on the line for their nation, showcasing their exemplary performance and skills downrange.”

After being deployed for more than six months, family members saw their loved ones depart their Viper or airliner respectively.

“Being back is by far the greatest feeling in the world,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Farland, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron electrical and environment systems technician. “Nothing quite describes this.”

After supporting the fight downrange, Airmen received downtime to be with their families, remaining ready to answer their nation’s call at a moment’s notice.