301st performs historic deployment, launch during airshow

  • Published
  • By Capt. Candice Allen
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  Launching more than 15 F-16 Fighting Falcons during an airshow here was similar to trying to clear a pathway through the mall parking lot during a Thanksgiving Black Friday sale, said a 301st Fighter Wing security team member.

The aircraft from the 301st and 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., departed Carswell Field late April making it one of the smoothest and largest deployment launches in wing history.

“This record-setting launch, a first for the Air Force Reserve, set the stage for a successful combat deployment,” said Col. John Breazeale, 301st Fighter Wing commander.

With more than 120,000 spectators watching the U.S Navy’s Blue Angels perform in the base Air Expo, deploying aircraft and personnel while maintaining operational security proved to be tricky.

“Amid the chaos of people and 35,000 cars all attempting to depart simultaneously, we had to clear and control an area sufficient for an F-16 to taxi,” said Malone Smith, 301 FW antiterrorism officer. “From a security perspective, it was picture perfect. Control crowd. Check. Establish security zone. Check. Aircraft launch. Check.”

“Mike Anderson, a member of the installation’s DOD police, and his combined Security Forces team immediately moved to dominate the battlespace by taking control and establishing the security zone quickly,” Smith continued.

The deployment of Fighting Falcons can be a challenging task in any environment.

“Launching multiple aircraft in multiple days is not rare,” said Col. Michael Egbalic, 301st Maintenance Group commander. “However, doing so flawlessly and so smoothly without any aircraft discrepancies was unprecedented.”

Breazeale echoed Egablic’s sentiment.

“This is the first deployment that I recall having so few issues during the launch,” said Breazeale. “The fact that we launched more than 15 jets with zero maintenance issues is amazing and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Carswell and Homestead maintenance teams.”

This deployment aviation package was the largest Air Force Reserve-centric fighter tasking to date. Many units played a role – 301 FW, 482 FW, 926th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 355th Fighter Squadron, and the 944th Fighter Wing.

“There were multiple and dynamic factors for both the aircraft and our personnel that had to be considered and balanced throughout this planning process leading up to the launch,” Egbalic explained. “Some of those factors included ensuring we trained and deployed combat-ready Airmen, managing the logistics of an aging aircraft fleet, replacing scheduled parts and completing inspections early to minimize aircraft downtime while deployed, upgrading aircraft with the latest combat modifications, and vetting the force deployment rotation.”

This occurred all while maintainers participated in multiple training exercises and still accomplishing daily flying requirements.

In addition to the aircraft launch, the wing currently has both pilots and maintainers deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. This operation aims to maintain security and stability in the area. Sentinel followed Operation Enduring Freedom which officially concluded in 2014.

The wing’s mission is to train and deploy combat-ready Airmen…and they executed it.

“It couldn't have been done without the hard work, long hours, expertise and dedication to the mission from all involved. It is very fulfilling to be able to do our part in the defense of our nation and interests. We must now focus on a successful deployment and their safe return,” Egbalic said.