McGuire Airmen return from deployment

  • Published
  • By Angel Lopez
  • Joint Base McGuire Public Affairs
JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (AFNS) --  Officials from the 305th Air Mobility Wing here welcomed home Airmen from the 6th Airlift Squadron March 2 as they returned from supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Throughout their four-month deployment, the C-17 Globemaster III squadron Airmen executed more than 3,000 sorties, off-loaded 101 million pounds of equipment and airlifted 146,000 passengers.

"Our mission was to provide combat airlift support to operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom," said Lt. Col. John Price, the 6th Airlift Squadron commander. "Without combat airlift, operations on this scale simply are not possible. We employed our C-17s to transport equipment, supplies and personnel from main operating bases to austere locations throughout the Middle East. By providing logistical and transportation support to our fellow servicemembers, we helped ensure success in combat and sustainment operations."

The 6th AS staff deployed 150 Airmen in October 2009. While deployed, they assumed the role and mission of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

From the resupply of the most basic of sustainment items to the movement of senior military and political officials, every single mission performed by the squadron directly impacted operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

While deployed, the 6th AS Airmen supported the expeditious aeromedical evacuation of a single wounded individual, which helped the servicemember receive lifesaving care. They delivered mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicle or parts, shuttled warfighters from the front lines for a brief period of rest and recovery, and supported numerous combat operations.

Regardless of the payload, each mission played a vital role in the success of the region.

"The deployment was a success on every level," Colonel Price added. "Every Airman gained valuable operational experience that will serve this squadron and our nation for years to come."

The Airmen continuously train to support the air mobility mission, and applied what they have learned to combat operations.

"This is what we train to do all the time and now we finally get to do it," said Capt. Jeffery Overstreet, the 6th AS aircraft commander. "It's kind of like a football or baseball player, he or she practices all week ... all year, and then the season finally comes along and they get to show everyone what he or she was trained to do."

As with most units across the military, the squadron's frequent deployments and temporary-duty assignments result in precious time away from their families. Throughout the year, members of the 6th AS typically deploy for a few weeks at a time on a continuous rotation.

"I am equally proud of the spouses, children and parents who have not only served their own tour of service during our deployment, but have been the backbone of support for our squadron," Colonel Price said. "Our families are the true heroes here and deserve a big thank you."