More F-117A Nighthawks deploy to Southwest Asia
Released: Feb 17, 1998
by Airman Chris Uhles
49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) -- About 140 troops and six F-117A Nighthawks from Holloman deployed last week to Southwest Asia to add to the Air Force aircraft and thousands of Air Force members already in the area.
About 70 people from various units within the 49th Fighter Wing deployed to directly support F-117 operations.
Additionally, about 35 people from the 48th Rescue Squadron, deployed, as well as 20-30 49th Materiel Maintenance Group members.
Defense Secretary William Cohen signed the order last weekend, though he continues to emphasize U.S. efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the current crisis regarding Iraq.
According to Brig. Gen. Dennis Larsen, 49th Fighter Wing commander, deploying Holloman members are all ready to support the tasking to Southwest Asia. "We're ready -- we stay ready," Larsen said.
Larsen went on to say that it's important to recognize that before this Stealth deployment, there was a solid airpower force in the region already.
"We sent six F-117As and 200 Holloman folks to the region in November to join the thousands of Air Force people, and the airpower they support, that have remained combat ready in the region since the end of Desert Storm," he said.
"Not only is the Air Force ready now," Larsen said, "We've been ready."
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
