page_title: 18th Aggressor Squadron
section_title: Modern era
hierarchical_section_title: 18th Aggressor Squadron / History / Modern era
caption_attribution_description: English: F-16CG of the 18th Fighter Squadron - Eielson AFB Alaska
context_page_description: The 18th Aggressor Squadron is a subordinate unit of the 354th Fighter Wing based at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, and flies the Block 30 General Dynamics F-16C/D aircraft.
context_section_description: In 1997, elements of the 18th FS deployed to Singapore and Malaysia to take part in dissimilar air combat tactic training as part of Exercises Commando Sling and Cope Taufan, respectively. The Cope Taufan deployment marked the first time Pacific Air Forces' F-16s had flown against MiG-29s.
  The unit deployed to Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, October–December 1998 to support Operation Southern Watch.
  Later, the squadron deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, September–December 2000, in support of Operation Northern Watch.  For this deployment, the squadron employed 5 F-16 aircraft and 110 personnel, conducting the first ever Combat Search and Rescue support tasking for an F-16 squadron.
  After the 11 September 2001 attacks, the 18th FS was called to provide eight aircraft for Alaska NORAD air defense during Operation NOBLE EAGLE, though the aircraft were not launched.
  The squadron's next deployment was to Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base from December 2001 to March 2002 to support simultaneous combat operations for Operations Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom. They flew more than 3,200 hours in only 3 months, an amazing feat for the 142 Blue Foxes who deployed with only 10 aircraft. During that time, the 18th FS flew missions in support of Operation Anaconda, including one in the Shah-i-Kot Valley on 2 March when U.S. forces, engaged in a firefight with Taliban and Al Qaeda forces, called for aerial assistance. A number of Blue Foxes responded, dropping bombs with pinpoint accuracy on the opposing forces. Lt. Col. Burt Bartley, the 18 FS commander at the time, received the Silver Star for strafing and dropping 500 lbs Laser-guided bombs on what would later be known as "The Battle for Roberts Ridge".
  The squadron deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in support of Operation Noble Eagle during March 2003. The unit also participated in Exercise Commando Sling in October 2003.
caption: 18th Fighter Squadron F-16 flying over the Alaska Range[note 3]
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