Misawa F-16 supports GWOT over Iraqi skies
070216 -- BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- A Misawa Wild Weasel F-16 takes off from Balad Air Base Feb. 16. Airmen have recently experienced a surge in flight operations due to a greater air support need for the increased amount of U.S. Army forces on the ground in Iraq. The 14th Fighter Squadron deployed from Misawa to Balad in January and is the first Block 50 F-16 squadron deployed to Iraq. The 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron is the third fighter squadron to stand up at the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing to help increase the capability of the wing's mission. The Block 50 system provides newer technology to the wing's arsenal. Its helmet-mounted queuing system increases pilot awareness and allows pilots to quickly get weapons on target. It also includes an improved data link that provides awareness on the entire air picture. The 14th EFS and 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit is comprised of roughly 250 Airmen and gives the wing the ability to fulfill more requests for air support.
(U. S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth)