55th FS ‘Shooters’ return from deployment

Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Maldonado | U.S. Airmen assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron and 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit as well as supporting units return from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., May 4, 2019. Approximately 20 F-16 Vipers and 400 Airmen deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)  

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, UNITED STATES

05.14.2019

Story by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado 

20th Fighter Wing

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, as well as supporting units, returned from deployment April 30 - May 7.

More than 400 Airmen and approximately 20 F-16CM Vipers deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, the military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

“The squadron is beyond proud and thankful for our Shooters taking the fight to the enemy,” said Lt. Col. Charles Fallon, 55th FS commander. “Our men and women put a lot on the line for their nation, showcasing their exemplary performance and skills downrange.”

After being deployed for more than six months, family members saw their loved ones depart their Viper or airliner respectively.

“Being back is by far the greatest feeling in the world,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Farland, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron electrical and environment systems technician. “Nothing quite describes this.”

After supporting the fight downrange, Airmen received downtime to be with their families, remaining ready to answer their nation’s call at a moment’s notice.

• Date Taken: 05.14.2019
• Date Posted: 05.14.2019 11:55
• Story ID: 322388
• Location: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, US