187th Fighter Wing deploys the 100th Fighter Squadron

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Edwards
  • 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 187th Fighter Wing deployed the 100th Fighter Squadron to the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, which began arriving in Southwest Asia Oct. 16.

While deployed it is known as the 100th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and consists of several hundred Air Force members whose primary mission is to fly F-16 Fighting Falcons in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

“For us to be able to do defensive counter air and try to maintain the political relations that we have, while supporting guys on the ground, is something we can do very well in the F-16,” said Maj. Marcus Landrum, 100th EFS director of operations. “Every component, every service, everybody that is fighting ISIS, we’re able to support.”

This is the first time the 100th EFS has deployed to the 407th AEG in several years. For a few of the Airmen, this is their first deployment.

“It’s pretty cool to finally do what I’ve been training many years to do,” said a captain with the 100th EFS as a pilot. “I think the most rewarding thing is, knowing that we a going to be directly helping our guys that might be in need.”

While helping out U.S. and coalition forces, the 100th EFS will continue on the legacy of the fighter pilots their squadron is known for: the Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the Red Tails.

“The significance of having the Red Tails out here is tying the Tuskegee heritage back to the 100th Fighter Squadron,” said Landrum. “We are continuing that legacy and that fight in the support of the Red Tails.”