on 18 march 2003, the united states and coalition forces launched the invasion of iraq in order to remove saddam hussein's regime from power, the invasion being designated operation iraqi freedom. in addition to flying units, such as fighter, air refueling, airlift, special operations and rescue, the ang also provided a robust force of over 3,530 additional personnel for the expeditionary combat support functions and many air national guard senior officers held command positions during the war.