‘Triple Nickel’ returns to Afghanistan, continues counterterrorism operations

Photo By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Gonsier | Senior Airman Kevin Ly, a 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, performs a post-flight check April 25, 2017, on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, deployed to Bagram Airfield as part of a constant rotation of fighter aircraft. The 555th EFS, who was last here in 2015, provides counterterrorism to enable a successful train, advise and assist campaign. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Gonsier)  

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

04.27.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Gonsier 

455th Air Expeditionary Wing   

Airmen and F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, from Aviano Air Base, Italy, deployed to Afghanistan in support of the premiere counterterrorism wing.

The 555th EFS is replacing the 79th EFS, from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, who spent the last six months at Bagram Air Field.

“Since its inception in 1942, the ‘Triple Nickel’ has been vital in multiple conflicts and will add to its proud combat heritage during this deployment,” said Lt. Col. David Seitz, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group deputy commander. “They have provided combat capabilities from Bagram Airfield for years, and will continue to deliver decisive airpower once again during their time here.”

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations.

Fighter aircraft have had a continuous rotational presence at Bagram Air Field, enabling a successful train, advise and assist campaign.

• Date Taken: 04.27.2017
• Date Posted: 04.27.2017 09:38
• Story ID: 231742
• Location: BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AF