Photo By Staff Sgt. Mercedes Bizzotto | A U.S. Air Force Airman prepares to hug his child after returning from a deployment at...... read more read more
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Airmen and aircraft assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing returned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, from a deployment to Afghanistan Jan. 18, 2019.
“Our deployment was during one of the most challenging times of the year; the end of the traditional fighting season and the beginning of the harsh weather,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Allen, 40th Airlift Squadron commander. “Our operation and maintenance teams executed over 2,700 sorties at a stellar 99.5 percent Air Tasking Order rate. The Screaming Eagles also flawlessly executed seven airdrops and six major joint operations.”
During the deployment, the Airmen worked together to haul over 10,000 tons of cargo. They were also able to execute transporting almost 200 distinguished visitors and nearly 100 medical patients to safe locations. They accomplished resupplying remote locations, combat airdrops and helped in validating rescue units with training jumps.
“Our 317th AW team showed some amazing professionalism when they generated, planned and executed an emergency airdrop to resupply some isolated troops in contact,” said Allen. “The speed at which our maintenance team generated the aircraft, our tactics team planned the mission, and our crew executed helped save lives.”
Allen also mentioned that there is tremendous sacrifice on every deployment from their troops and their families. One of the best things to ever witness is seeing them reunite after a combat deployment.
“I’m very excited to see my husband,” said Danielle Breedlove, spouse of Capt. Bradly Breedlove, 40th Airlift Squadron pilot. “I’m looking forward to seeing our daughter run into his arms and having her be able to spend time with him again.”
Fellow Airmen and leadership were able to witness these reunions as the deployed Airmen returned to Dyess with smiles on their faces as they were greeted by their families.
“We are extremely proud of the performance by our members of the 317th AW during this deployment,” said Allen. “They performed at the highest level in the combat zone across all our mission sets, from saving lives during urgent aeromedical evacuation missions to setting recent records for the fastest emergency airdrop to resupply our joint forces. I love that they do it as a team with the highest character and professionalism”
| Date Taken: | 01.24.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 01.24.2019 12:14 |
| Story ID: | 308055 |
| Location: | DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 54 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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