SJ AFB Airmen enroute to Afghanistan

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- 1st Lt. Philip Gunn says goodbye to his son, Hayden, and wife, Jennifer, before debarking on a deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Aug. 25, 2010. While deployed Lieutenant Gunn, 336th Fighter Squadron weapon systems officer, will provide close air support to ground troops from an F-15E Strike Eagle. Lieutenant Gunn is a Goldsboro native. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)

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SJ AFB Airmen enroute to Afghanistan

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Spouses and family members of deploying aircrew members from the 336th Fighter Squadron wave goodbye to their loved ones as they taxi past in F-15E Strike Eagles here Aug. 25, 2010. The “Rockets” deployed to assume the close air support mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)

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SJ AFB Airmen enroute to Afghanistan

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. – Aircrew members aboard an F-15E Strike Eagle from the 336th Fighter Squadron prepare for take-off here Aug. 25, 2010. The aircrew and jet are bound for Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. While there the deployed aircrew members provide close air support for ground troops. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Gino Reyes)

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SJ AFB Airmen enroute to Afghanistan

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. – More than 200 members of the 4th Fighter Wing board an aircraft enroute to support Operation Enduring Freedom Aug. 22, 2010. These Airmen are support personnel, maintainers, pilots and weapons system officers deploying to execute the close air support mission from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Makenzie Lang)

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SJ AFB Airmen enroute to Afghanistan

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. – An Airman the 4th Fighter Wing takes one last look at the flightline and gives a thumbs up as he boards an aircraft enroute to support Operation Enduring Freedom Aug. 22, 2010. These Airmen are support personnel, maintainers, pilots, and weapons system officers deploying to execute a close air support mission from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Makenzie Lang)

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SJ AFB Airmen enroute to Afghanistan

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. – Airmen with the 336th Fighter Squadron prepare for take-off on an aircraft enroute to support Operation Enduring Freedom Aug. 22, 2010. These Airmen are support personnel, maintainers, pilots, and weapons system officers who are deploying to execute a close air support mission from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Makenzie Lang)

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SJ AFB Airmen enroute to Afghanistan

Published Aug. 24, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- More than 250 Airman from the 4th Fighter Wing, the 336th Fighter Squadron and 336th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron departed the base to assume the F-15E Strike Eagle close air support mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, between Aug. 22-26.

The men and women of the 4th FW will play a key role in ensuring the Strike Eagles and those who operate them are ready to answer calls for help from those who come under enemy fire at a moment's notice.

Seymour Johnson Airmen have been called upon recently to lead the U.S. Air Force's new policy of deploying their Air Expeditionary Force aviation package to Bagram AF for a six-month rotation, instead of the previous standard four-month tour.

"You guys were personally called on to be the first Air Force unit to take on this task," said Col. Patrick Doherty, 4th Fighter Wing commander. "You make us all proud. When you hit the ground at Bagram -- be ready to engage the enemy and protect our Soldiers and Marines on day one!"

Airman 1st Class Ryan Konning, who joined the Air Force in 2006, was eager to begin the mission. This is the first time he has deployed with his unit.

"I can't wait to get over there," said the 336th AMU crew chief.

Several of the deploying Airmen returned from their last deployment to Bagram AF less than a year ago. Despite being Senior Airman Reece Dvorak's third deployment, leaving his family behind never gets any easier.

"(Leaving) is necessary, but you want to be with your family," said the 336th AMU aircraft maintainer. "You are torn because you know it is something you have to do, (since) the F-15 provides one of the biggest advantages to those on the ground."

When Colonel Doherty addressed the departing Airmen he made a point to let them know their family members will not be left without a support unit while they are gone.

"We will take care of your loved ones," he said. "That is our job and our responsibility."