Deployed D-M Airmen to return from Afghanistan this week Published Nov. 27, 2007 By 102207 DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Nearly 200 Airmen from the 355th Fighter Wing are scheduled to return home this week after more than six months of combat operations in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Maintenance and support personnel are scheduled to arrive here Tuesday morning. Pilots and their aircraft will follow later in the week. The 354th Fighter Squadron "Bulldogs" and the 355th Maintenance Group operate and maintain the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an Air Force ground attack aircraft. The A-10, popularly known as the "Warthog," is used to provide precision strike and close air support for soldiers on the ground. Other A-10 missions include combat search and rescue and forward air control of other combat aircraft. The A-10 is employed against enemy ground forces throughout Afghanistan and Iraq. "Our Airmen, who have been engaged in direct combat against the Taliban across Afghanistan, return home as heroes," said Colonel Kent Laughbaum, 355th Fighter Wing commander. "They achieved victory in numerous battles and engagements, and have added significantly to the illustrious combat record of the 354th Fighter Squadron and 355th Fighter Wing. Every one of our Airmen has returned safely from the war, and now it is time for congratulations from their friends and rest with their families. These young men and women have served America nobly, and my pride in them has no limit." Media members are invited to attend the arrival of the maintenance and support personnel Oct. 23, as families, friends and coworkers welcome the Airmen back to D-M. Showtime at the base Visitors' Center will be 5 a.m. Tuesday. Those interested should call the 355th FW Public Affairs office at 228-3204 before 4 p.m. Monday. Late arrivals and those who fail to RSVP will not be accommodated.