‘Black Widows’ arrive at Bagram for final F-16 deployment

Photo By Master Sgt. Joey Swafford | Capt. Tyler McBride chief of safety, 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, takes off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon on his first combat sortie from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Oct. 30, 2015. The 555th EFS, deployed from Aviano Air Base, Italy, is nearing the end of its six-month deployment at Bagram and will hand the reins over to the 421st EFS in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel and NATO's Resolute Support mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford/Released)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

11.01.2015

Story by Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys 

455th Air Expeditionary Wing   

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Airmen assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron, known as the “Black Widows,” from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, arrived here Oct. 28 in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO’s Resolute Support mission.

During their six-month tenure at BAF, the squadron will assume the responsibility of providing over-watch and close-air-support for ground units in Afghanistan.

“We are incredibly excited to be here,” said Lt. Col. Michael Meyer, 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander. “This is what we train for. We are here to support the ground commander’s intent, wherever and whenever they ask, save lives on the ground and help transition Afghanistan to a stable and self-sufficient government.”

The 421st FS is one of three fighter squadrons assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill. The unit operates night-capable, advanced targeting pod-equipped, F-16CMs. It deploys worldwide to conduct Day and Night air superiority, precision strike, and Forward Air Controller sorties employing laser-guided and inertially-aided munitions during contingencies and combat.

According to Meyer, this will be the 15th and final F-16 deployment to the area of responsibility since 1990 as they begin the transition to the new F-35A Lightning II, the U.S. Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter. The F-35 will replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II’s, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 30 years, and bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced-threat environment in which it was designed to operate.

The 421st FS last deployed to BAF from July 2009-January 2010, flying over 1,800 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Now flying fully modified Common Configuration Implementation Program F-16CMs, equipped with night vision goggles, Harm Targeting System, and the Advanced Targeting Pod, the 421st FS continues its proud combat heritage as a premier multi-role fighter squadron.

The 421st EFS will take the reins from the 555th EFS, known as “Triple Nickel,” from Aviano Air Base, Italy.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2015
• Date Posted: 11.01.2015 08:45
• Story ID: 180526
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF