More than 400 Airmen with the 355th Fighter Squadron and the 354th Maintenance Group and their A-10 Thunderbolt IIs recently left for a 120-day deployment.

“I’m excited to go on this deployment,” said Capt. Darrell Walton, a pilot with the 355th. “With so much training space here in Alaska, I couldn’t ask for better training to help get us prepared for this deployment. My mom is nervous, but I guess you have to expect that.”

Captain Walton and other pilots met for pre-flight briefings concerning last-minute changes and weather conditions. As the pilots received their final briefing, 354th AMXS dedicated crew chiefs made the final flight checks of the deploying A-10s.

“We make sure the pilot has everything he needs before his flight,” said Airman 1st Class Ryan Fitzpatrick. “We also perform last-minute checks on the aircraft such as checking fluid levels and instrument panels as well as ensuring there is no foreign object debris in the cockpit.”

The A-10’s mission is to provide close-air support for ground forces and convoys. Designed for maneuverability at low speeds and low altitudes, the A-10 helps eliminate ground targets such as tanks and other armored vehicles.

“I’m extremely confident in the group of pilots that we’re deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom,” said Lt. Col. Quentin Rideout, commander of the 355th. “This is why we train. This is what Eielson’s mission is all about.”

That mission, “To fight and support the fight – any time, any place,” begins with a flight that will span three quarters of the earth before reaching Afghanistan.

“There are a lot of things going on right now in Afghanistan,” said Col. Dave Scott, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing. “Our guys will be very busy.”