What: Airmen To Deploy To Iraq

Who: The 177th Fighter Wing

When: Sunday, February 19, 9:30 a.m.

Where: 177th Fighter Wing, 400 Langley Road ,

              Egg Harbor Township , NJ , 08234

Media outlets wishing to attend Must Register with Public Affairs at (609) 645-6206 prior to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17.

Details: The 177th Fighter Wing will deploy more than 150 unit members to Iraq on Feb. 19.  This movement coupled with the previous deployment of the wing's advance team will result in more than 200 unit members supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom at Balad Air Base in Iraq.  The 177th Fighter Wing is combining forces with the 158th Fighter Wing, Burlington, Vt., and the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Ind., to meet the Aerospace Expeditionary Force requirements.  The three units will provide F-16C aircraft, pilots, maintenance and support personnel to meet the mission requirements while assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base.  While deployed, the unit will augment existing U.S. forces in the region through the employment of precision-guided munitions, enhancing the close air support mission of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.

Directions to the 177th Fighter Wing: Atlantic City expressway East to Exit 12.  Turn left on Wrangleboro Road/County Route 575. Turn right at the next traffic light (approximately 1.5 miles).  Continue for 1.5 miles until you see a sign with an F-16 on it for the 177th Fighter Wing.  Turn left into the main gate. Security will direct you once you have entered the installation.