Return to storefront CLICK HERE

In 2024, the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron “Buzzards” deployed to the Middle East for a seven-month tasking in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, PROSPERITY GUARDIAN, and SPARTAN SHIELD. Throughout this deployment, the Buzzards dominated the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility, flying 1,410 sorties and logging over 8,735 flight hours conducting Defensive Counter Air patrols over Iraq, Syria, and the South Red Sea. Their efforts played a critical role in maintaining regional stability and safeguarding Freedom of Navigation for coalition and maritime forces.

By the end of their deployment, the Buzzards had achieved 33 aerial victories against one-way attack Unmanned Aerial Systems and Land Attack Cruise Missiles—the most by any F-16 squadron at the time.

In addition, they pioneered new counter-UAS tactics and recorded the first-ever combat kill using the newly fielded laser-guided AGR-20F FAST FALCO rocket system. This historic achievement further cements the Buzzards’ legacy as the “World’s Most Combat Capable Fighter Squadron.”