Bold Tigers return home

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kevin Martinez
  • 366th Fighter Wing
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  

Airmen from the 391st Fighter Squadron and Fighter Generation Squadron, also known as the “Bold Tigers”, returned from deployment to the Indo-Pacific theater Nov. 2023.

The Bold Tigers aided in efforts to maintain a continuous fighter presence through the phased return of Kadena Air Base’s fleet of F-15C/D Eagles to the United States.

While deployed to Kadena AB, Japan, the Mountain Home Strike Eagles operated in conjunction with F-35 Lightning II’s deployed from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, F-15E Strike Eagles deployed from Seymour Johnson, North Carolina and the remaining F-15C/D Eagles at Kadena.

Together, the wide-ranging array of fighters along joint and allied forces, enhanced operational preparedness to safeguard Japan and uphold a free and accessible Indo-Pacific region by maintaining a formidable presence of agile fighter aircraft.
 

“The Bold Tigers helped to deter our adversaries in the Western Pacific for the past six months,” said Col. Michael Alfaro, 366th Fighter Wing commander. “In the future, we will likely not have the luxury of picking the time, place, or tempo of conflict. The experience the Bold Tigers gained by operating with our allies and partners, multi-capable airmen, and generating sorties with a small footprint are invaluable in our efforts to prepare for the future fight.”

Gunfighters also worked alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Forces and other Allies and partners to enhance Agile Combat Employment capabilities from varying locations in the Indo-Pacific region including Tsuiki Air Base and Iwo To, Japan during Northern Edge 23-2 July 2 to 21, 2023.

This iteration of Northern Edge was a first-of-its-kind test of command and control capabilities and provided the opportunity for personnel to sharpen their skills.


Many 366th Fighter Wing deployments have recently been located in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The Bold Tiger’s Indo-Pacific deployment presented an opportunity for Airmen at all levels to face new challenges.

Prioritizing the modernization of capabilities within the Indo-Pacific theater remains at the forefront of the U.S. strategic agenda. The transition to more advanced aircraft at Kadena Air Base exemplifies the Department of Defense's unwavering commitment to fortifying our posture, all the while reinforcing the enduring foundation of our alliance with Japan.

After a successful deployment, Gunfighter family members were eager to welcome the Airmen home.

"I'm so happy my husband is finally home," said Karla Rivera. “These past months felt like an eternity, I can't wait to make up for all the time we've been apart."