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Shaw Airmen, pilots maintain global readiness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  More than 300 Airmen and approximately 20 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter pilots from the 77th Fighter Squadron deployed recently to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to support overseas contingency operations.
 
Squadron, group commanders and other Team Shaw members rallied around the Airmen to support them as they departed.

"We continuously stay ready for any assignment that may come our way, but it really helps our transition process when we have so many supervisors and family members supporting us," said Airman 1st Class Andy Bish, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment mechanic.

Over the multi-day transition, Col. Helen Brasher, 20th Maintenance Group commander and Lt. Col. Leah Fry, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, supported the surge of Airmen by being on the flightline as aircraft took off and shaking the hands of Airmen as they loaded onto passenger aircraft.

"Our Airmen maintain these jets with pride to keep them capable of traversing the globe to aid in any operation," said Fry.

A feeling of pride and excitement could be sensed amongst the Airmen as they prepared to move out for their assignment.

"It's times like this that we thrive," Bish said.  "We truly come together as one, smooth functioning unit to get the job done. I'm excited to reach our destination and accomplish our mission and return home to our friends and families."