Update on Time of Return of Local F-16 Figher Units Today at Andrews AFB

WASHINGTON, DC (04/06/2010)(readMedia)-- A welcoming home for an F-16 fighter aviation package from the DC Air National Guard returning from Iraq has been moved to 1:30 p.m. today at the 201st Airlift Squadron, Hangar 8, Andrews AFB. The media is invited to attend. An escort to the unit will be provided from the Andrews AFB Visitor's Center inside the front gate.

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