The first group of about 150 Iowa Air National Guard members left today foran overseas mission. Major Tim Leonard is spokesman for the Des Moines-based132nd Fighter Group, which flies F-16 jets.The Iowa Guard pilots, mechanics & support staff, will be stationed inTurkey during the month of August. The fighters will be flying patrols overthe northern “no-fly zone” of Iraq, in accord with U-N resolutions. MajorLeonard says it won’t be a new mission for the Wing.Leonard says the pilots are well-trained but know they’re still flying intoa danger zone.He says the mission is also being performed by Air Guard units from Ohio andOklahoma.
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