Keith Johnson
Era: Global War on Terror
Military Branch: Air Force
Title of article: Deployment (Includes 2 photographs)
“Approximately 125 148th Fighter Wing personnel departed for Balad Air Base, Iraq, on Thanksgiving as a part of its Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) deployment. Master Sgt. Keith Johnson (top right) signs in the final soldier and goes over last-minute details. To the left, Don Cich, a retired Chief Master Sgt., passed out goodies to soldiers and their families before departing.
“Here are some quick facts about the mission:
• The 148th has had personnel and jets at Balad Air Base since September 2008, providing Theater Airborne Reconnaissance System (TARS) support.
• In total, the 148th will have approximately 225 personnel deployed to Balad, while almost 50 more personnel are currently deployed to other mid-east locations, including Afghanistan.
• This deployment is expected to conclude in January 2009.
• The 148th will continue to support its 24/7 Air Sovereignty Alert (ASA) mission at Duluth during the deployment.”
Source: Hermantown Star, December 4-10, 2008
