In 2023, the 494th EFS "Panthers" depolyed to a undisclosed location in southwest asia, The 494th depolyed 12 F-15E Strike eagles, While depolyed the 494th were tasked with striking mutiple high value tagerts aswell as providing Close Air Support for friendly forces. On their depolyment the 494th EFGS, painted their 12 F-15Es with various nose arts, kill marks and name plates. 91-0604 was named "EL LOBO" which is "The wolf" in spanish. on the nose art theres a 10K likely meaning 91-0604 has flown 10,000 flight hours. 91-0604 was painted a red eye in the lakenheath name plate. aswell as 13 bomb marks. Towards the end of their 6 month depolyment, the 494ths depolyment was extended. with a iranian drone attack towards isreal. the 494th, 335th "Chiefs", RAF and RJAF were all tasked with shooting down the Iranian UAS and cruise missiles. the 494th shot down over 50+ drones.
In may, the 494th returned from their 7 month depolyment. with 12 nose arts. all shortly removed after returning.
