US aircraft arrive in Middle East
Published May 30, 2023
v303 Fighter Group Public Affairs
KING HUSSEIN AIR BASE, Jordan -- The first A-10 Thunderbolt II AND F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft departed RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus and arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility at King Hussein Air Base, Jordan, May 29, 2023. In a significant show of force, the Virtual 303rd Expeditionary Fighter Group, accompanied by the Virtual 303rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and the Virtual 93rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's F-16 Fighting Falcons, arrived at the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility at King Hussein Air Base, Jordan. This deployment marks a crucial phase in USCENTCOM’s ongoing Operation Hedge of Protection, aimed at countering the threat posed by The Islamic State in Gaza (ISIG).
Under the scorching Middle Eastern sun, the v303rd EFG showcased their combat readiness as they arrived the airbase with their sleek and powerful aircraft. The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, affectionately known as "Warthogs," and the nimble F-16 Fighting Falcons made a formidable presence flying overhead, capturing the attention of both military personnel and the public alike.
Operation Hedge of Protection aims to bolster regional security and eradicate the ISIG presence by combining air superiority with ground operations. The v303 EFG, renowned for their exceptional skills and unwavering dedication, has been selected as the vanguard in this critical endeavor. Their arrival at King Hussein Air Base signifies a significant escalation in the operation and underlines the United States' commitment to eliminating the extremist threat in the region.
Snoopy, the commander of the v303 EFG, addressed the assembled forces and emphasized the importance of their mission. "We stand here today as a united force against the forces of terror," he declared. "Our joint efforts will ensure that the evil of ISIG is extinguished, and the innocent lives affected by their atrocities are protected. The v303 EFG, along with our A-10 and F-16 squadrons, will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of peace and security."
The A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, known for their exceptional close air support capabilities, and the versatile F-16 Fighting Falcons, with their unmatched agility, will play a crucial role in providing air cover to ground forces and conducting precision strikes on ISIG positions. The v303 EFG's pilots have undergone extensive training in preparation for the diverse challenges they will face, including combat in urban environments and conducting complex air-to-ground operations.
As the v303 EFG settles into their new operational base at King Hussein Air Base, their focus will now shift to coordinating with local and international partners in the ongoing operation. They will work hand in hand with Jordanian military forces and coalition allies to ensure the success of Operation Hedge of Protection and the restoration of stability in the region.
With their arrival, the v303 EFG, along with the A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons of the v303 EFS and v93 EFS, bring renewed hope and determination to the fight against ISIG. As the skies over the Middle East bear witness to their aerial prowess, the message is clear: the v303 EFG is ready to overcome any obstacle and triumph over the forces of darkness in Operation Hedge of Protection.