Airmen prepare for humanitarian relief efforts

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Jenny Lovett
  • 322nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KIGALI, Rwanda (AFPN) --  More than 120 active-duty and Reserve Airmen from the 322nd Air Expeditionary Group arrived here Oct. 23 and 24 to set up airlift operations for the African Union.

Within 48 hours, the Airmen established lodging, food service, communications, transportation, maintenance and public affairs. They also set up a medical clinic and an operations center.

“These Airmen have worked nonstop since arrival to ensure we are ready to go when we get the execute order,” said Col. Robert Baine, 322nd AEG commander. “They have set up a world-class operation.”

The two C-130 Hercules aircraft that deployed with the Airmen will move African troops and supplies into Sudan’s Darfur region where more than 50,000 people have been killed and at least 1.5 million have lost their homes.

“Right now, we’re waiting on the execute order, so in the meantime, everyone is fine-tuning so that when the call comes down, we can walk out the door,” said Capt. Heather Healy, 322nd AEG public affairs officer.

The unit comprises active-duty Airmen from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and reservists from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Georgia.