Record-breaking 480th Fighter Squadron Returns from OIR

GERMANY

10.12.2016

Video by Tech. Sgt. Robbie Arp 

52nd Fighter Wing

TSgt Robbie Arp- Reporting
Lt Col Timothy Murphy- Commander,480th Fighter Squadron

LEAD:
Deployment Rotations are a constant part of our modern military life. And while the separation from family and routine can provide its own struggles, the reunion is often sweet and joyous as we celebrate the accomplishments of peers. TSgt Robbie Arp brings us this report from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's Return from their most recent deployment.

SCRIPT:

The 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron has returned to Spangdahlem Air base after a 6 month deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Lt Col Timothy Murphy- Commander,480th Fighter Squadron
"It feels amazing for everybody to be back here. We're obviously flying in some really hostile territory and to bring all the pilots back safe and sound and here is an amazing thing and the whole team being back together is a great thing that we wanted to do."

The 480th's mission while deployed was providing close air support and dynamic targeting operations.

Lt Col Timothy Murphy- Commander,480th Fighter Squadron
"The coalition forces were able to regain, recapture, 10,000 sq kilometers from ISIS that ISIS had captured over their campaign to kinda take over Iraq and Syria. We took back 10,000 sq Kilometers of that, and in the process liberated 3-5 cities including a major city in Northern Syria called Manbeesh, which was a big supply center and supply line for ISIS. so seeing all that happen and the progress made on the ground there was absolutely amazing and unbelievable great thing to be a part of."

Not only did these men and women accomplish the mission, but also set new records in air combat history.

Lt Col Timothy Murphy- Commander,480th Fighter Squadron
"We were able to break the all-time record as far as precision guided munitions go, in F-16 history over that 6 month deployment, which is a pretty neat accomplishment, 1,900 bombs, a lot of bombs dropped and a lot of work that goes into building those bombs and loading them up and obviously going out and executing the mission. So that was a neat thing."

Approximately 300 of the squadron's airmen are home, welcomed by the arms of their families, friends, and teammates.

Lt Col Timothy Murphy- Commander,480th Fighter Squadron
"To see the team that we were able to build and execute with was something that none of us will ever forget. It was the tightest team and group that I've ever been a part of. and especially doing things that have an impact for our nation and Europe and really the world was just an incredible thing for all of us to be a part of. Really proud of it."

This was the 480th's first deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. TSgt Robbie Arp, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

• Date Taken: 10.12.2016
• Date Posted: 10.14.2016 09:54
• Category: Package
• Video ID: 487563
• VIRIN: 161013-F-ZP114-001
• Filename: DOD_103755429
• Length: 00:01:36
• Location: DE