CONTACT: Lt. Greta Lewis at (315) 233-2651 or Lt Col Timpano at (315) 264-2139

FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, Jun 10, 2008

ON SITE: Lt. Greta Lewis at (315) 233-2651 or Lt Col Timpano at (315) 264-2139

WHO:

174th Fighter Wing pilots and aircraft. Wing leadership, including the Wing Commander, Col Kevin Bradley will be present to observe the launch. Other distinguished visitors, including Maj.Gen. Knauff, Chief of Staff New York Air National Guard and Col. Anthony B. Basile, Headquarters New York Air National Guard are expected to be in attendance for the wing’s final F-16 combat deployment.

WHAT:

SYRACUSE, NY (06/09/2008) Members of the press are invited to observe F-16C fighter jets prepare and launch for their final combat deployment in support of Air Expeditionary Force cycle 3-4 on Tuesday 10 Jun from Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. Media opportunity to be present as pilots and aircraft deploy to serve as part of an Air Expeditionary Force operating in the Middle East

WHEN:

Members of the Media should be at Hancock Field ANGB by 4:00 a.m. Jets are expected to launch in 3 phases beginning at 0550.

WHERE:

Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, 6001 E. Molloy Road, Syracuse, NY.

Coverage Opportunities: Media will have an opportunity to film the launch of the F-16’s and interview a pilot who will deploy with the wing. 174th Wing Commander Colonel Kevin Bradley will hold a media availability. Provisions will be made for Live TV feeds. The 174th Fighter Wing, New York Air National Guard: The 174th Fighter Wing will be deploying F-16C fighter jets to Southwest Asia on Tuesday, 10 June in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Wing recently deployed more than 190 personnel as part of an aviation package. The full 174th aviation package includes support personnel and aircraft that will be part of the Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) cycle 3-4. The 174th FW was formed on October 28, 1947 as the 138th Fighter Squadron. The 138th FS was the first post-WWII Air National Guard flying unit in New York State. The unit flew P-47D Thunderbolts and was based at the former Army Air Force facilities at Hancock Field. The 174th FW’s federal mission is to provide combat ready personnel, aircraft, and equipment for worldwide deployment. To deter, or attack and destroy, enemy surface and airborne forces, in support of joint operations. In order to gain access to this secure facility, interested media must be at the Thompson Road gate on the corner of East Molloy and Thompson Road no later than 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 10 June. Please R.S.V.P. prior to your arrival with Lt. Greta Lewis at 233-2651 or Lt Col Timpano at 264-2139. Media arriving after the designated time will not be granted access to the base due to escort requirements.