The Air Force just activated the 438th Air Expeditionary Group in January, but the unit, which flies out of Al Asad AB, Iraq, has already flown 800 combat sorties with its A-10 Warthogs alone, reports Capt. Ken Hall and MSgt. Bryan Ripple. The 438th AEG, which is part of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing based at Balad AB, Iraq, comprises A-10 and F-16 strike aircraft, plus C-130 airlifters, HH-60 combat search and rescue helicopters, and Predator unmanned aerial vehicles. USAF reactivated the unit to provide additional close air support for ground forces.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
