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77th FS deploys to the fight

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  More than 200 Airmen and a dozen F-16s from the 77th Fighter Squadron deployed to Southwest Asia throughout the Memorial Day weekend to support the Global War on Terrorism.

"We are providing our combatant commanders with their most lethal and proven weapon - highly skilled and tactically trained Airmen, ready for any challenge, anytime, anywhere," said Col. Michael Byrne, 20th Fighter Wing vice commander.

"This is a big step because we have been getting ready for this deployment for months," said Maj. Jason Mitchell, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "In all the preparation, it is going to be a great opportunity to see the training pay off."

Major Mitchell has been in the Air Force for 10 years and is not new to deployments; this is his third time going overseas.

"My wife is an Air Force reservist, so she understands the duty I need to perform," the major said. "The Air Force is great about having the resources available for deployed members to be able to stay in contact with loved ones. We'll be able to stay in contact throughout the deployment, primarily by e-mail and telephone."

"This is my first deployment and I am a little nervous, but mostly excited," said Airman 1st Class Teko Robinson, 20th AMXS crew chief.

"Although nervous, I am anxious to perform my job, which is working on jets and getting them ready for the fight," Airman Robinson said.