JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
In an area behind a secured gate enforcing the laws of limited access, the 121st Fighter Squadron occupies a building off of the flightline and next to hangars for F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft that squadron members know very well.
Members of the 121 FS cover a wide range of missions from flying F-16C aircraft, maintaining air sovereignty alert force readiness, organizing flying schedules, and handling equipment maintenance to managing aircrew life support responsibilities. They also conduct and maintain the training and overall readiness of aircrew water survival.
This squadron of combat-capable, front-line fighters is comprised of a unit of worldwide-deployable, highly-seasoned warriors, said 1st Lt. Danny Hull, 121 FS F-16C pilot. "We are a key element in the total force.
The unit has fought in Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM, and plays a vital part in the Global War on Terror, as well as ensuring national defense.
"Our mission impacts Airmen on Joint Base Andrews as well as anyone in the National Capital Region," said Senior Airman Jesse McCarley, 121 FS aircrew flight equipment technician.
The fact that the squadron is comprised of highly-trained Airmen is no coincidence; traditional Guardsmen constitute the bulk of 121 FS team members. On average, pilots at the squadron have 2,100 hours of flying experience, said Lieutenant Hull.
A key element of the squadron's flying mission includes their ASA responsibilities to identify unknown or suspicious aircraft, escort lost aircraft out of sensitive airspace, respond to distressed or hijacked aircraft, conduct presidential escorting when needed and to employ ordinance against hostile aircraft when directed.
"We need to be able to maintain mission readiness at all times," said Lieutenant Hull.
Part of what it means to be mission ready includes equipment maintenance and training. Airmen from the squadron conduct exercises in their flight simulator as well as water survival training in an actual body of water - the Patuxent River. Here, they utilize real-life simulations, such as being dragged through the water by a parachute that is still attached, as well as working jointly with local rescue teams, said Airmen McCarley.
"Training is the most important thing we do," said Lieutenant Hull.
Maintaining a Fit-to-Fight standard is another essential aspect for Airmen at the 121 FS. Sustaining around nine times the Earth's gravitational force during flight, pilots must remain fit to live through a mission successfully. Muscle-tensing techniques, as well as equipment assist in diffusing the g-force on a pilot's circulation and lungs - including a mechanism that forces air down a pilot's throat, said Lieutenant Hull.
Two final elements that ensure both mission completion and readiness are morale and wingmanship. Members of the unit conduct physical training together to promote teamwork and camaraderie.
"Our unit is very tight-knit," said Airman McCarley. "We're a big family here."
The 121 FS, established in 1946 before the Air Force separated from the Army, remains a mission-ready, integral part of keeping the country safe both in the NCR and abroad.