Airmen ease Marines move to Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Adriane Craig
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) --  With last year's operations in Afghanistan among the highest since they began in 2001, Airmen here are acutely aware of the mission importance to refuel aircraft supporting those operations, as well as provide world-class service and care to transiting passengers, said Col. Harrison Smith, the commander of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, the host unit at Manas Air Base.

The wing members' attention to detail in the latter of those tasks was not lost on the Marines moving through this week and last.

"Deploying to this theater is never an easy task, but the ability to conduct a portion of our deployment through a base like Manas (AB) makes it much easier," said Marine Col. Peter Petronzio, the commanding officer of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Service is the hallmark of the wing's "Warrior Care" program, which ensures the smooth ingress and egress of U.S. and coalition servicemembers in and out of Afghanistan.

The Marines are just the latest in the movement of personnel to and from Afghanistan, Colonel Smith said.

A total review of passenger and cargo processes by the 376th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron and morale and welfare processes such as providing lodging and meals has paid huge dividends. Fitness and morale activities designed specifically for transient personnel are among the 376th Expeditionary Services Squadron initiatives that have enhanced the base's ability to provide quality care for a widely fluctuating base populace. That translates to mission success for the wing, and the units it supports.

In January, the president announced additional troops -- Marines -- would be sent to Afghanistan. Shortly thereafter, the 24th MEU from Camp Lejeune, N.C., was notified they would make up more than half of the Marines selected for the task.

The unit will operate in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-International Security Assistance Force. The Marines will be conducting operations to extend the authority of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

We have supported not only the introduction of the Marines into theater, but also the Army personnel rotation and numerous coalition changeovers, Colonel Smith said.

"The services and support Manas (AB members) provides eases our entrance into Afghanistan," said Colonel Petronzio. 

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