U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, arrived here Nov. 12, to enhance U.S. Air Forces Central’s ability to deter aggression and promote security and stability within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The unit’s presence highlights the Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy and employ forces anywhere around the globe at any moment. Deploying as an instrument of Dynamic Force Employment, the detachment of F-16s along with squadron personnel from Spangdahlem AB will rapidly integrate into theater air training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions.
“The deployment of the 480th Fighter Squadron demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s agility and CENTCOM’s commitment to allies and partners to bolster security and stability in the region,” said Lt. Gen. Greg Guillot, 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander. “While deployed, the unit will conduct a wide range of missions, including combat operations and training with joint and regional partners, enhance the unit’s overall readiness and return to (U.S. European Command) better prepared to support future operations.”
CENTCOM’s last dynamic deployment — a detachment of U.S. Air Force F-16s from Aviano Air Base, Italy, occurred in October 2019. Dynamic operations and force employment deliver joint force commanders the critical capability to move forces fluidly into and across the theater in order to seize, retain and exploit the initiative against an adversary. These deployments also amplify USAFCENT’s agility and strengthen capability resiliency.
