The Air Force announced Tuesday that it has deployed troops from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings, flying F-35A Lightning II aircraft, into combat to support the United States in the Middle East.

The 421st Fighter Squadron departed Utah's Hill Air Force Base on May 20 for Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates to support Central Command in the region, the Air Force said.

This marks the third deployment for the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings in about 12 months.

"The 421st Fighter Squadron completed their stand up in December and now they're our latest squadron heading into the fight," Col. Steven Behmer, 388th Fighter Wing commander, said in a press release.

"This demonstrates the readiness of our Airmen, our weapons system, and the importance of both the Air Force and our national defense mission," Behmer said. "On top of that, add in prepping and training in this challenging coronavirus environment. As leaders, we couldn't be more proud of our Airmen."

Three weeks ago a wave of active and reserve Airmen who were deployed with the 34th Fighter Squadron returned to Hill after a six-month deployment to the Middle East. A large contingent of airmen from the 34th still there will return to the United States "soon," the Air Force said.

The 388th and 419th Fighter Wings are the Air Force's first combat-compatible F-35A units, having reaching full warfighting capability earlier this year.

The first operational F-35As arrived at Hill AFB in October 2015, and the base now has 78 of the aircraft.

The active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th fly and maintain the jet in a force partnership.

Related Links
Space War News

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Cambodia's leader calls for foreign military drills, aid
Phnom Penh (AFP) June 1, 2020
Cambodia's prime minister invited foreign powers Monday to conduct military drills in the country as he called for overseas funding to build a pier and relocate an army training centre. But the strongman premier insisted that the country would not allow a foreign "military base on its territory". The Wall Street Journal reported last year on a draft deal allowing China to dock warships and store weapons at the Ream naval base near the coastal city of Sihanoukville. Hun Sen - a staunch ally ... read more