v303 FG Supports Marine Amphibious Landing
Published July 15, 2023
v303 Fighter Group Public Affairs
KING HUSSEIN AIR BASE, Jordan --
In a stunning display of military coordination, the A-10 Warthogs from the v303rd Fighter Squadron 'KC Hawgs' and the F-16 Vipers from the v93rd Fighter Squadron 'Makos,' provided vital air support during an amphibious marine beach landing operation. Their primary objective was to secure control of Beirut International Airport as part of Operation Hedge of Protection.
As the sun rose over the coastline, an impressive fleet of amphibious assault vehicles hit the beaches, launching a multi-pronged assault on enemy positions. The A-10 Warthogs, renowned for their resilience and firepower, took to the skies, providing close air support to the Marines on the ground. With their GAU-8 Avenger Gatling cannons and precision-guided munitions, the 'KC Hawgs' unleashed a storm of firepower on enemy positions, suppressing enemy defenses and clearing the way for the advancing troops.
Simultaneously, the F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 'Makos' roared into action, engaging insurgent forces as they approached the airport. The agile and versatile F-16s utilized their advanced radar systems to neutralize hostile threats, ensuring the safety of the Marine forces as they advanced toward Beirut International Airport.
Once the beachhead was secured, two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, operated by the United States Air Force (USAF), commenced their landing operations. The 'Hawgs' and 'Makos' maintained a protective air cover, intercepting any potential threats to the C-17s and establishing a safe landing location. Although one C-17 took ground fire both were able to successfully land.
As the C-17s touched down at Beirut International Airport, virtual ground forces quickly established a perimeter, securing the strategic transportation hub. The successful joint effort of the 'KC Hawgs' and 'Makos' ensured a swift and secure landing, paving the way for further operations in support of Operation Hedge of Protection.
"The seamless coordination between the v303 FS and the v93 FS was truly impressive," said vCENTCOM leadership. "Their precise execution of air-to-ground operations was instrumental in the success of the amphibious beach landing and the subsequent landing of the USAF C-17s. Successfully securing the Beirut International Airport will allow the US and our allies a secure location within the city to begin operations to remove elements of Islamic State in Gaza in Lebanon.”
