Des Moines native launches F-16Cs in Afghanistan

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Greg Biondo | A U.S. Air Force F-16C with the 451st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, takes off for a mission over Afghanistan, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, April 4, 2012. The mission of the 451st EFS is to deliver decisive airpower on target, on time.  

AFGHANISTAN

04.05.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. David Salanitri 

United States Air Forces Central       

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — A native of Des Moines, Iowa, recently deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Tom Septer, an F-16C Fighting Falcon crew chief with the 451st Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron deployed from the Iowa Air National Guard, is impacting the battlefield in a big way -- putting planes in the air so they can provide armed over-watch for American and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

"Every time we launch a bird (jet), I know we just helped protect the guys on the ground," said Septer. "Knowing that we're making a difference out here is definitely one of the coolest things about being deployed."

Septer's work here has an impact on the enemy throughout the region.

"Our jets are more than 20 years old, and require routine maintenance," said Lt. Col. Travis Acheson, 451st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander. "We couldn't do what we do, without having the high-speed maintainers we have here."

• Date Taken: 04.05.2012
• Date Posted: 04.05.2012 14:59
• Story ID: 86317
• Location: AF
• Hometown: DES MOINES, IA, US