Gamblers deploy to Saudi Arabia

On 9 and 10 October 2020, eighteen F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 77th Fighter Squadron, part of the 20th Fighter Wing deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB, Saudi Arabia).

The 77th FS, also known as the “Gamblers”, are normally based at Shaw AFB (SC). They deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). The last major deployment of the 77th FS was during 2018. In support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel they were then based at Bagram air base (Afghanistan). The squadron is one of the oldest units in the United States Air Force, its origins dating back to 20 February 1918. This is the first time the 77th has been deployed to PSAB but it is not the first time this base housed a USAF deployment.

The following 77th FS SW-coded F-16Cs were seen transiting Morón air base (Spain) on their way to the Middle East where they will be added to to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing at Prince Sultan.

The 77th FS aircraft that have passed Morón: 90-0821, 91-0345, 91-0353 ('77FS' flagship), 91-0356, 91-0368, 91-0371, 91-0376 (mlt tail c/s), 91-0377 (special tail mks), 91-0387 (on loan from 55th FS), 92-3910, 92-3920 ('20FW' flagship), 93-0536, 94-0041, 94-0044, 94-0046, 00-0225, 01-7050 and 01-7052

Credit: USAF and Daniel Ferro