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Caption:
Southwest Asia (Mar. 21, 2003) -- A U.S. Marine Crops F/A-18 Hornet
assigned to the "Red Devils" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Two
Three Two (VMFA-232) continues on its mission after taking fuel from an
Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker in the skies near Iraq while conducting a
mission in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Hornet is
primarily used as a fighter escort and fleet air defense.
However, it can also be used as an attack aircraft with the capability
of force projection, interdiction, as well as both close and deep air
support. This duel capability gives commanders immense
flexibility in wartime operations. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the
multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate
IraqÕs weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam
Hussein. U.S. Air Force Photo Courtesy of Staff Sgt. Cherie
A.Thurlby. (RELEASED)
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