'Black Widows' arrive at Bagram for final F-16 deployment

by Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

11/2/2015 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Airmen assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing's 421st Fighter Squadron, known as the "Black Widows", arrived at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 28 in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel and NATO's Resolute Support mission.

During their six-month tenure at BAF, the squadron will assume the responsibility of providing over-watch and close-air-support for ground units in Afghanistan.

"We are incredibly excited to be here," said Lt. Col. Michael Meyer, 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander. "This is what we train for. We are here to support the ground commander's intent, wherever and whenever they ask, save lives on the ground and help transition Afghanistan to a stable and self-sufficient government."

The 421st FS is one of three fighter squadrons assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill. The unit operates night-capable, advanced targeting pod-equipped, F-16CMs. It deploys worldwide to conduct Day and Night air superiority, precision strike, and Forward Air Controller sorties employing laser-guided and inertially-aided munitions during contingencies and combat.

According to Meyer, this will be the 15th and final F-16 deployment to the area of responsibility since 1990 as they begin the transition to the new F-35A Lightning II, the U.S. Air Force's latest fifth-generation fighter. The F-35 will replace the U.S. Air Force's aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II's, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 30 years, and will bring with it an enhanced capability to survive in the advanced-threat environment in which it was designed to operate.

The 421st FS last deployed to BAF from July 2009-January 2010, flying over 1,800 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Now flying fully modified Common Configuration Implementation Program F-16CMs, equipped with night vision goggles, Harm Targeting System, and the Advanced Targeting Pod, the 421st FS continues its proud combat heritage as a premier multi-role fighter squadron.

The 421st EFS will take the reins from the 555th EFS, known as "Triple Nickel," from Aviano Air Base, Italy.