20th
HISTORY OF THE 20th FIGHTER WING - Shaw Air Force Base
HISTORY OF THE 20th FIGHTER WING - Shaw Air Force Base
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Operation Iraqi Freedom<br />
In February 2003 the <strong>20th</strong> FW deployed approximately 1,300 service members and 15 aircraft to the 363d AEW<br />
at Prince Sultan AB. This deployment was in support of U.S. actions for the removal of Saddam Hussein from<br />
power. In May of 2008 the 77th FS deployed its aircraft and airmen along with maintainers from the <strong>20th</strong> MXG<br />
to Joint Base Ballad in support of OIF where they conducted operations until relieved by the 55th FS in October<br />
of 2008. The 55th carried out operations in Iraq until<br />
January of 2009. During 2009 the three squadrons<br />
F-16CJ aircraft of the 78th and 77th FS wait on a hot ramp while<br />
maintenance crews pull safety pins on their weapons stores prior<br />
to a mission during Operation Iraqi Freedom Mar. 21, 2003.<br />
USAF Photo<br />
77th FS F-16 takes off for a mission at Prince Sultan AB, during<br />
a sand storm on Mar. 25, 2003.<br />
USAF Photo<br />
concentrated on regaining aircrew skill sets that atrophy during a combat deployment, in preparation for the next<br />
round of deployments. During 2010 the 55th and 77th were once again up to bat in Iraq. The 77th FS again was<br />
the lead <strong>20th</strong> unit deploying to Joint Base Balad, Iraq in January 2010. The 77th carried out operations there<br />
until relieved by the 55th FS in May of 2010. The 55th finished its tour in iraq in October 2010.<br />
Korean Theater Security Package<br />
The 79th FS deployed its aircraft and airmen including <strong>20th</strong> MXG maintenance Airmen to Kunsan AB, Republic<br />
of Korea from January to April 2008. The purpose of the deployment was to provide an increase in combat<br />
readiness for US forces located on the Korean peninsula. The 79th arrived at Kunsan when the base was taking<br />
part in the January 2008, Peninsula-wide Combat Readiness Exercise. Within 48 hours of arriving the 79th<br />
began flying sorties in support of the exercise earning it the praise of Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood, commander<br />
of the Seventh Air Force. General Wood stated that the 79th’s actions were “pure platinum” and “best seen to<br />
date.”<br />
Operation Unified Protector<br />
AWAITING UPDATE<br />
<strong>20th</strong> Fighter Wing History --- Page Number 38.
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