Gunfighters deploy to southwest Asia Published Sept. 3, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Rodney D. Ivey 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Approximately 400 Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing deployed from here last week and over the Labor Day weekend in support of operations in southwest Asia. The Airmen - including aircraft maintainers, pilots, weapon systems officers and support personnel - will serve at installations within the region. The 391st Fighter Squadron aircrews will fly sorties throughout the area of responsibility, and the maintainers will ensure the aircraft are at peak performance throughout the deployment About 120 of the Airmen left the base Aug. 25. These Airmen will provide munitions support to aircraft in theater. All of the Airmen are expected to deploy for a standard four months as part of a scheduled deployment rotation. "The Airmen are part of nearly 1,400 Gunfighters from Mountain Home Air Force Base who are deploying in support of the Global War on Terrorism before the end of the year," said Capt. Lucas Choate, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer. Col. James Browne, 366th Fighter Wing commander, spoke to the deploying Gunfighters before they departed. "We want to thank you for your hard work and preparation," said Colonel Browne. "Thank you for your sacrifice and commitment to duty here and, once again, I want to thank you for all that you do."