Teamwork moves Rwandan troops

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Davina Petermann
  • 86th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Rwanda (AFPN) --  It takes a lot more than Hercules to move Rwandan Defense Force members to the Darfur region of the Sudan.

The C-130 Hercules needs a team working together to make sure things go right.

In fact, there were 10 crewmembers on each of the flights working together to ensure the 13-hour, round-trip mission into Sudan was successful.

The Rwandan troops going into Sudan will help provide security in the area so various governmental and non-governmental agencies can deliver vital humanitarian relief to Darfur and eastern Chad. The U.S. Air Force is assisting the African Union mission in Sudan by providing airlift into the country.

"There are so many moving parts to the mission that one person can't do it alone," said Capt. Bryan Aulner, a 37th Airlift Squadron pilot at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Three of the team members were Ravens, specially trained flyaway security forces Airmen who protect aircraft and aircrews while airborne and on the ground.

"We travel with the aircrew to provide close-in-proximity security for both the aircraft and crew when flying into an area where security is not deemed adequate," said Staff Sgt. Lee Lyles, a Raven with the 786th Security Forces Squadron at Sembach AB, Germany. "We are their only line of defense."

The Darfur region has no established security, so having the Ravens on board was necessary for the protection of the aircraft, crew and Rwandans.

"We were really excited to be part of this mission," said Airman 1st Class Brian McCann, a 37th AS loadmaster. "We wanted to ensure the Rwandan troops were comfortable, and in the case of an emergency, that we got them to safety quickly."

Flying with passengers that speak a different language can be difficult, said Tech. Sgt. A.K. Roberts, also a loadmaster with the 37th AS.

"However, if an emergency were to happen, we have the training to get people out safely, even if they speak a different language," he said.

"I think it is awesome we have the opportunity to support the Rwandan troops and the African Union," Captain Aulner said. "The Darfur region of Sudan has endured so much suffering, and I'm proud we're part of the solution."

As of July 24, more than 560 Rwandan troops have been airlifted to Sudan.