THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Falcons Leave the Nest

An F-16 Fighting Falcon, similar to this one, provided cover for a convoy heading to rendezous with coalition ground forces that received enemy fire Feb. 14 in Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi toward the runway for a mission Feb. 13 from Balad Air Base, Iraq. The 510th FS is deployed from Aviano Air Base, Italy. These missions involve flying close-air support to support coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth)

Airman 1st Class Stephen Tyler pulls the chocks and moves away from an F-16 Fighting Falcon before a mission Feb. 13 from Balad Air Base, Iraq. Airman Tyler is assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth)

Capt. Patrick Noonan prepares to take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon on a Operation Iraqi Freedom mission Feb. 13 from Balad Air Base, Iraq. Captain Noonan is deployed to the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy. These missions involve flying close-air support to support coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. (U. S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth)

Airman 1st Class Stephen Tyler emerges from under an F-16 Fighting Falcon after removing the safety pins before a mission Feb. 13 from Balad Air Base, Iraq. Airman Tyler is assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy. (U. S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth)

Capt. Patrick Noonan goes over a pre-flight checklist before departing in an F-16 Fighting Falcon on a Operation Iraqi Freedom mission Feb. 13 from Balad Air Base, Iraq. Captain Noonan is deployed to the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy. These missions involve flying close-air support to support coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. (U. S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth)