124th Fighter Wing return home

WELCOME HOME: The first group of 124th Fighter Wing personnel, who were mobilized earlier this year in support of combat operations and to provide stability to Southwest Asia, returned home last night.

More than 120 members returned to Gowen Field after supporting A-10 Thunderbolt II overseas contingency missions to deliver combat airpower and security for joint operations throughout the region.

This return of personnel marks only a portion of the more than 400 members of the unit who began deploying in May and throughout the spring, while more personnel will continue to deploy throughout the summer in support of Operations FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, INHERENT RESOLVE and NEW NORMAL.

“Our Guardsmen are world-class warfighters, and we are grateful and proud of the mission they executed in providing vital close air support. We are glad to have them home, and recognize that we still have brothers and sisters who are serving in harm’s way,” said 124th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Shannon “Sinjin” Smith. “The sacrifice of these Airmen has a ripple effect that is felt by their families and throughout our community. The steadfast support by the community of families, state and local leaders, neighbors and employers means everything to us.”

This group of deployers left and are now returning during the COVID-19 pandemic, which adds its own unique challenge to the second largest deployment in the wing’s history. The deployment included multiple aircraft, pilots, security forces, maintenance and medical personnel, along with various other support staff. Returning members will immediately begin a mandatory quarantine period.