Wing stands up third fighter squadron

  • Published
  • By by Senior Airman Josh Moshier
1/27/2007 --BALAD AB, Iraq --  The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing announced the opening of a third assigned fighter squadron in a ceremony at Balad Air Base Jan. 16.

The 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron "Samurai" from Misawa Air Base, Japan, is the first Block 50 F-16 squadron deployed to Iraq.
According to Lt. Col. Ken Madura, 14th EFS director of operations, the purpose of adding a third fighter squadron to the 332nd AEW is to increase the capability of the wing's mission.

"We bring precision employment, new and advanced aircraft, and an increased ability to pass and receive information with command and control assets," he said. "We offer additional support to the ground commander."

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.
Colonel Madura said the 14th EFS and future squadrons assigned to the wing will benefit from a strong commitment by with wing.

"The facility the 332nd AEW built for us here is pretty phenomenal," he said. "They've given us everything we asked for. Every squadron that's assigned here in the future will appreciate this world-class facility and the work that's been done."