Local F-16 fighter unit from DC returns from Iraq Monday

Aviation package from 113th Wing completes 2-month deployment in Balad

WASHINGTON, DC (04/01/2010)(readMedia)-- A welcome home ceremony for an F-16 fighter aviation package from the DC Air National Guard returning from Iraq will be at the 201st Airlift Squadron, Hangar 8, Andrews AFB on Monday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. The media is invited to attend.

More than 175 airmen will be welcomed home by their comrades, friends and family .

During their deployment, the Capital Guardians supported ground commanders with defensive counter-air, close-air support and reconnaissance operations. The 60-day, phased deployment included pilots, aircraft maintainers and support personnel.

The DC Guard partnered with units from South Dakota and New Jersey during the deployment. They shared F-16 aircraft and parts during their rotation.

Guard members serve one weekend each month and two weeks per year to maintain operational currency and complete missions at their home unit. However, when their wing is in an Air Force deployment window, members are ready to serve overseas.

"The last Air Expeditionary Force deployment for the wing was in 2006," Madden said. The wing has to balance the number of deploying personnel with what is needed at Andrews to continue its 24/7 alert mission, he added.

Media representatives planning to attend the ceremony should contact Lt. Col. Kevin McAndrews at 202-821-7181 to make arrangements to be escorted into Andrews AFB from the Visitors Center at the front gate. For more information, contact the DC National Guard Public Affairs Office at (202) 685-9862 or kevin.m.mcandrews@us.army.mil

WHO:

DC National Guard 113th Wing
WHAT:

Welcome home ceremony for 113th Wing personnel returning from Iraq
WHEN: Monday April 05, 2010 at 07:30PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: 201st Airlift Squadron
Hangar 8
Andrews AFB, Maryland
NOTES:

Media is required to be escorted onto the base by Air Force personnel with the unit. Check in at the Andrews AFB Visitors Center at 6:45 p.m. to be escorted to the event.