Contingency response element deploys to Basra

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BASRA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Iraq (AFNS) --  Nearly 50 members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing headquartered at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are deployed here in support of coalition and joint operations.

The mission of the 615th CRW-Contingency Response Element is to support the transition from British to U.S. responsibility of airfield terminal operations as the British withdraw from Basra.

The formal transition of responsibility occurred March 31 when Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, Multi-National Division - South commander, assumed responsibility from the commander of MND - Southeast, British Maj. Gen. Andy Salmon.

Airmen with the 615th CRW-CRE have already supported the Iraqi air force, British forces, special operations teams, U.S. Army, independent contractors and Air Mobility Command missions since their arrival.

"This mission has been outstanding because of the unique and rewarding opportunity to work with our proactive and knowledgeable joint and coalition partners," said Tech. Sgt. Brad Ferda, 615th CRW-CRE aerial port specialist.

Basra International Airport is critical to Operation Iraqi Freedom because it is a major supply location for coalition forces in southern Iraq.

"The 615th CRW unit has been a welcome addition to the Basra coalition team," said Army Staff Sgt. Michael Bass, 10th Mountain Division Headquarters Company. "They have also been instrumental to the successful movement of the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters into Basra."

"The British forces have been very supportive of our contingency response element," said Lt. Col. John Howard, 615th CRW-CRE commander. "They have embraced the U.S. military members' presence."

"Together we do what needs to be done to complete the task," said Warrant Officer Chez Cherry, British Joint Movements Unit. "It doesn't matter if it is a British or American requirement; we all take pride in making this a 'can-do' trade!"

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