Thunderbolts roar high above the Pacific

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen Teel
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Eighteen F-15E Strike Eagles and more than 400 Airmen from the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, traveled to Andersen AFB as part of a scheduled air expeditionary force rotation to help maintain deterrent capabilities in the Pacific.

The 389th EFS "Thunderbolts" rotation will last approximately four months. While here, they will conduct their standard training to keep their flying currencies and tactical proficiency with the added advantage of flying larger scale training scenarios free from tight air traffic control restrictions.

"We are looking forward to integrating with other agencies and training with the Navy in both small- and large-scale exercises," said Maj. Ki Jackson, 389th EFS instructor pilot. "The Pacific region will allow our fighters a chance to train in maritime interdiction missions."

"The F-15E Strike Eagle arrival is both advantageous to our squadron and to the mission here at Andersen," said Major Jackson. "Not only will our pilots have an opportunity to enhance their skills, our support personnel such as the crew chiefs, fuels, phase, ammo, intelligence, weather and many more will have the chance to hone their skills as well. We will also have numerous occasions to fly training missions, as well as give the Air Force the added benefit of having some Strike Eagles in the Pacific."

As part of the continuous package of fighting capabilities in the Pacific, the F-15Es at Andersen give the Air Force flexible air-to-air and air-to-ground attack capabilities.

"This type of deployment represents Andersen's growth in engaging with our friends and allies," said Brig. Gen. Doug Owens, 36th Wing commander. "These rotations and the training they afford are also absolutely essential for us to be able to respond quickly to any event or security situation the Commander of U.S. Pacific Command might need us to in the nation's interest."