78th Fighter Squadron ("Bushmasters") departing Shaw AFB for Saudi Arabia, June 1997

In June 1997, about half the 78th FS deployed to Prince Sultan AB ("PSAB"), Saudi Arabia, for a 90-day tour in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, which was to enforce the No Fly Zone over southern Iraq. This is a short video I took of the our F-16s departing Shaw AFB, South Carolina. I was the squadron intelligence officer at the time, but didn't go on this particular deployment. I had already gone with the squadron to PSAB during our Sep-Dec 1996 deployment. Plus, I was expecting to PCS in September. So the 20th Fighter Wing intel shop sent one of their Lts in my place to support this deployment. You'll note that many of the deploying Bushmaster pilots are sporting very short bleached-blond hair. I suppose this was a bit of morale building fun for the pilots as they headed off to PSAB. However, if I recall correctly, word was when the Bushmasters arrived at PSAB, the 4404th Wing commander wasn't too pleased with the look.

Видео 78th Fighter Squadron ("Bushmasters") departing Shaw AFB for Saudi Arabia, June 1997 канала Joel Wright 2