US Air Force: Air Expeditionary Forces
v.1.0 September 30, 2001
Ravi Rikhye
An Air Expeditionary Force is a composite formation consisting generally of 8 squadrons. It can have a strength of between 10-20,000, depending on operational requirements. The concept accommodates mission-tailored force packages for specific operations and contingencies. Till the September 11, 2001 crisis, the USAF deployed two AEFs overseas, in pairs, for 90 day deployments. These were usually sent to the Persian Gulf.
While the AEFs were being organized and trained, the USAF created two smaller forces, Air Expeditionary Wings. These are for use in smaller contingencies and will eventually be folded into the AEF structure. The two are built around the 4th TFW (Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC) and the 366th TFW (Mountain Home AFB, ID).
An AEF is equipped with F-15, F-16, A-10, and B-1/52 aircraft. An Air Mobility Wing is generally teamed up with each set of AEFs. Reserve fighter and support aircraft deploy with each AEF.
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AEF |
US Base |
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1st AEF |
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2nd AEF |
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3rd AEF |
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4th AEF |
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5th AEF |
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6th AEF |
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7th AEF |
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8th AEF |
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9th AEF |
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10th AEF |
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