Falcon of the desert
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, here, takes off on an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission July 21. The F-16 jet is deployed from the 183rd Fighter Wing, Springfield Air National Guard, Ill., and provides close air support and "eyes in the skies" intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for ground forces during combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tony R. Tolley)