Bold Tigers’ AMU returns

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Anderson
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  A plane load of Gunfighters returned home May 14 from their deployment in support of U.S. Pacific Command.

More than 150 members from the 391st Aircraft Maintenance Unit returned here from Kunsan Air Base, Korea, as part of a rotational deployment in support of U.S. Government and Department of Defense global engagement strategies.

The 391st AMU was deployed to continue the mission that was previously held by the 389th AMU and Fighter Squadron who deployed August 17, 2009. The Bold Tigers swapped with the T-Bolts on January 18, and served a four-month deployment marking a Gunfighter presence in the Republic of Korea for the past eight months. The 391st deployed more than 300 Airmen who will be returning home in groups.

Many of the Airmen expressed it was great to be back home in Gunfighter country, but that they did enjoy the deployment.

"It's always good to be home, but also it's always fun to experience new cultures," Airman 1st Class Clayton Zakrzewicz, 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, commenting about his time on the Korean Peninsula.

The return of the AMU was great stated the 391st Fighter Squadron commander, but he also knew the mission the Bold Tigers conducted was a vital one.

"Sending the firepower of Mountain Home's F-15E Strike Eagles to the Korean Peninsula for almost a year sends a clear message that the U.S. Air Force is committed to ensuring stability and security in an unpredictable and uncertain region," said Lt. Col. Mark Slocum, 391st Fighter Squadron commander. "This deployment sent a clear message to any potential adversary that the U.S. and our joint team are serious about providing the security and stability for our coalition and bilateral partners.

The commander praised the AMU their hard work and dedication to ensure the F-15E Strike Eagles were able to perform mission essential functions.

"I'm incredibly proud of the outstanding job done by our Bold Tiger Maintainers and all the Gunfighters who are returning for this deployment" he said. "They left their families and homes here in Idaho in order to project combat air power to the opposite side of the globe ... I hear we missed another great Idaho ski season too."