Barksdale Reservists return from deployment

by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs



Maj. Maurice Kent, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, receives a warm welcome from his family at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 14, 2012. Kent arrived at Barksdale after a deployment to Afghanistan. Approximately 150 Airman from the 917th Fighter Group who were deployed to Afghanistan have now returned to Barksdale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens) Hi-res

4/17/2012 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- Approximately 150 Airmen from the 917th Fighter Group returned to Barksdale from Afghanistan over the past few days.

While deployed to Afghanistan, the Airmen served in the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield before being relocated to Bagram Airfield as part of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Some of the Airmen were also assigned to the 47th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 451st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 451st Maintenance Squadron.

Barksdale Airmen teamed up with more than 150 people from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mass., and Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., to complete the mission in Afghanistan.

"We are very proud of our Airmen and the support they gave to U.S and coalition forces in theater," said Col John Breazeale, 917 Fighter Group Commander. "Our maintenance personnel and pilots had a significant impact on the current operations in Afghanistan, and we were extremely honored by the opportunity deploy as a unit for the first time in sixteen years."

The Barksdale Airmen were schedule to arrive at several different times and dates due to transportation availabilities and unavoidable delays. The first group of approximately 100 Airmen arrived at Barksdale on Saturday, April 14, 2012, with six pilots and six A-10 Thunderbolt II jet aircraft arriving on Sunday, April 14, 2012.

The final group of Airmen arrived at Barksdale on Tuesday, April 17, 2012.



Members of the 917th Fighter Group are greeted by family and friends at the A-10 Hangar on Barksdale Air Force La., April 15, 2102. Approximately 150 Airmen from the 917th Fighter Group who were deployed to Afghanistan have now returned to Barksdale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens) Hi-res

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