Airmen deploy to Southwest Asia

Maj. Duane Henry, 389th Fighter squadron, says his last goodbyes to his children before departing for a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on Monday. More than 400 airmen from across the 366th Fighter Wing are deploying to Southwest Asia in support of combat operations in the region. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Renishia Richardson

Six months of intensified combat training came to an end Monday morning as hundreds of airmen from Mountain Home Air Force Base boarded a plane heading for the Middle East.

The team of aircraft maintenance specialists, crew chiefs and support personnel representing the 389th Fighter Squadron were part of the more than 400 base personnel flying into the region as part of a regularly scheduled deployment.

"We're looking forward to getting into the fight and taking care of the mission that our nation has asked us to do," said Lt. Col. Chris Sage, who commands the fighter squadron.

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