389th Fighter Squadron deploys in support of OEF.

by Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/7/2011 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- More than 400 MHAFB Airmen deployed March 7 to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Although the group is comprised of Gunfighters from different 366th Fighter Wing agencies, a large portion of the group consists of members of the 389th Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit. This will be the 389th's first deployment as a squadron into the Southwest Asia area of responsibility, where they will conduct combat operations. The squadron has conducted several months of training in preparation of this task.

"We have been conducting Airman comprehensive spin-up training for the last six months, which includes ground, aerial and special skills training," said Lt. Col. Chris Sage, 389th FS commander.

Col. Ron Buckley, 366th FW commander, says the local area's phenomenal air space has allowed Gunfighters to train to the highest level of performance as they prepare to conduct their area of responsibility's mission.

"One of the things we've been doing in order to prepare for this deployment is flying over some of the urban areas like Boise because they're going to see those kinds of environments while they are downrange, and we need to be able to train them to that level," Colonel Buckley said. "I am extremely proud -- I know they are fully prepared and ready to go."

Those deploying are not the only ones who have been preparing for this deployment as spouses and dependents have been gearing up to live without a family member for the duration of this deployment.

"It's a sacrifice that we ask of the family when our members deploy, but the wing does a great job of taking care of the families while the members are deployed," Colonel Buckley said.

The MHAFB Airman and Family Readiness Center is one major outlet family members of deployed Airmen have to help cope.

"Most of our spouses, they're prepared, they're ready -- they train for deployments just like the member trains," said Master Sgt. Ebony Stepp, A&FRC readiness noncommissioned officer. "But as always, we're here to take care of our family as our main goal is to give them the tools and the guidance they need to get through that deployment. We reach out to the member, spouses, parents -- whoever may be concerned about that deployer. So overall, we're just here to serve and assist them with whatever they need during that separation."

The center has counselors who can work with children if they are in need.

"Some kids have a hard time being separated from mommy or daddy, so the counselor will work with them on different activities they can do while mommy or daddy is deployed."

Although leaving loved ones at home may be stressful, Colonel Sage says overall, the squadron is excited to answer its nation's call.

"I'm very proud to lead the men and women of the 389th FS downrange for this deployment," he said. "We're all excited, we've been preparing for six months and we're ready to get on the road and take care of the mission. This is the first time that the F-15E Strike Eagles and the 389th have deployed into combat together. It's a historic time for this base, our squadron and frankly, a historic time for our nation as we continue to defend our way of life and protect the homeland by taking the fight to the enemy downrange."