Homecoming

Family and friends gathered on Hill’s flightline Tuesday to welcome several hundred 388th and 419th Fighter Wing Airmen returning from deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq. The pilots, maintenance, and support personnel were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to maintain security and stability in the region by providing close air support for coalition ground troops. Another large group of Airmen from both wings recently deployed to Balad Air Base and will also be charged with flying close air support mission to protect coalition ground forces. They are due home this spring. 419th FW personnel regularly volunteer to deploy in support of their active duty, 388th FW counterparts now that the wings are associate units as part of the Air Force’s Total Force Integration initiative. TFI is aimed at increasing combat capability and efficiencies among like units while capitalizing on the high experience levels of Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by/Staff Sgt. Kyle Brasier)