An additional squadron of Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons recently arrived in the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region, the service announced Oct. 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The New Jersey Air National Guard\u2019s 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron will \u201cprovide flexible options to coalition leaders directing air operations throughout the Middle East, including contingency response capabilities and deterrence missions,\u201d Air Forces Central said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The announcement highlighted the arrival of the Atlantic City-based fighters, also known as the \u201cJersey Devils,\u201d in the wake of a recent uptick of drone attacks that have been thwarted by U.S. troops in the area<\/a>. The move also adds more U.S. personnel to the region as the war between Israel and the militant group Hamas continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n