Base fighter squadron deploys

Members from the 389th Fighter Squadron and 389th Aircraft Maintenance Unit deployed Tuesday to Southwest Asia to conduct combat operations.

Mountain Home's Gunfighters from the "Thunderbolt" squadron will support F-15E overseas contingency missions designed to deliver combat air power for joint operations and to meet ground commander requirements.

"Airmen in a variety of non-aviation roles will be conducting a wide range of tasks to ensure the success of providing critical combat power capabilities in that region of the world," the base said in a prepared statement.

"This is the Wing's priority -- deploying the 389th Fighter Squadron and AMU to provide combat air power to support the combatant commander," said Col. Christopher Short, 366th Fighter Wing commander. "This is what we've been exercising for, and I have full confidence in their ability to accomplish the mission."