Preparing to launch
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. William Howe, a 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, prepares to taxi Capt. Travis "Bandit" Keenan, a 22nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, out to the runway here, Dec. 17. After radio communication is disconnected, the pilot and crew chief correspond through hand signals. Sergeant Howe and Captain Keenan are deployed from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joshua Garcia)