Wing begins new chapter with F-15E

Published Jan. 17, 2007
By Capt Vince King Jr.
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Continuing to show a strong force and a visible presence in Afghanistan, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing added a new capability to its inventory Jan. 14.

With more than 200 Airmen supporting its mission, the F-15E Strike Eagle deployed from the 391st Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, put wheels down, and started a new chapter in the wing's history.

Commending the hard work and effort put forth to get the squadron here, Master Sgt. John Murdorf, 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F-15E pro-superintendent, said the work performed by Airmen within the wing was astronomical.

He said, "We had requirements that other aircraft don't have ... and the agencies here were eager to help and get the ball rolling to bring the Strike Eagle in here safely."

Col. John Quintas, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group commander, during his assumption of command Jan. 14 said, "Today begins another exciting chapter in the (wing's) history, with the addition of the F-15E Strike Eagle to the (wing's) combat assets."

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night, and in all weather.

The 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron will support various military operations throughout Afghanistan to include the continuing support of U.S. and Coalition ground troops.