Photo By Charles Borsos | U.S. Air Force personnel load baggage into the back of a stake-side truck during a...... read more read more
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White buses trundled out toward the flightline. On board, Airmen from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing prepared for departure to become deployed Airmen under U.S. Central Command’s Combined Air Component – Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central). Beale’s deployers were joined by family, friends and fellow Airmen to see them off. It was an emotional gathering, but one full of smiles, high-fives and well wishes.
Upon reaching the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, the deployed members began executing their essential roles of integrating mission resources, coordinating operations, and ensuring communication across critical functions to execute Air Force objectives.
Deploy. Redeploy. Reconstitute—Beale Airmen live by these efforts and have trained over the past year to achieve a high-level of readiness to deploy as “Lead Wing” under AFCENT.
The lead wing construct creates Agile Combat Employment (ACE) forces within Air Combat Command and provides the majority of the manpower needed to support the expeditionary mission.
“The ability of our Airmen to deploy quickly and integrate into the broader mission is a testament to their professionalism and readiness,” said Col. Keagan McLeese, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “We are proud to provide the backbone of command and control to operate efficiently and effectively.”
While the deployed Airmen start their mission under McLeese’s leadership, the mission at Beale continues under the steady guidance of Col. James Bartran, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander. Bartran is responsible for ensuring the continued operation of the base, supporting those deployed, and maintaining overall mission readiness.
“The work here at Beale is just as critical. Our Airmen are vital to keeping the home front running while our teammates execute the mission abroad,” said Bartran. “Our mission is to keep the base running smoothly, delivering persistent integrated reconnaissance and combat power while ensuring the next rotation is as prepared as our current team.”
The responsibilities of the Airmen at home-station increased as they took on the duties of their deployed members to continue sustaining key operations at home. They will manage logistical and administrative tasks to ensure the deployed team can focus on their mission without distraction.
“I’ve been very busy, but I see this as a blessing in disguise,” said Senior Airman Adonis Tovar, 9th Communications Squadron client systems technician. “New Airmen are put in a lot of spots they wouldn’t normally be put in, giving them new opportunities to excel.”
This deployment falls within the Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model, with Beale’s forces currently “available to commit” to the expeditionary mission. The wing’s ability to deploy and sustain operations in versatile environments demonstrates its adaptability and resilience, preparing both the deployed and home-station elements for future missions.
The Airmen remaining at Beale will uphold the wing’s commitment to operational excellence and remain ready to face any challenges ahead.
“We are one team, and whether stationed here or abroad, each of us contributes to the success of this mission,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Steven Creek, 378th AEW command chief. “I have no doubt that our Airmen will thrive, and we will continue to operate with excellence at home.”
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2024 10:59 |
| Story ID: | 485115 |
| Location: | BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Deployed to Lead: Beale Airmen Power Expeditionary Operations, by 2nd Lt. Sharon Cardenas, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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