Saturday, September 3
The Long-Haul Truckers Of The Sky
| BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN – The C-130H crew prepared for a combat landing touch down on an Afghanistan runway that’s little more than a dirt strip Tuesday. Their mission – a double-shuttle air-land mission in the eastern region of Afghanistan to resupply American troops on the ground who are helping the Afghan Army prepare for free elections Sept. 18. The mission, which included the delivery of 39,310 pounds of cargo, is just one of numerous deliveries made throughout Afghanistan. “The support we provided to the Marines was part of Operation Whalers a subset of Operation Vigilant Sentinel, and we continue to support the Army as part of Vigilant Sentinel,” said Maj. Jay Brawka, 745th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron aircraft commander and deployed mission commander. The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission and its capabilities from rough terrain and dirt strips makes it prime transport for air and land drops in hostile areas. These assets led to the decision to have the C-130H aircraft and crews from the 745th EAS, a squadron under the 379th Expeditionary Wing, temporarily relocate to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. “While here (Bagram), we remain on Bravo alert standby for Army, Marines and ANA in support of Operation Vigilant Sentinel ensuring the success of this country’s upcoming free elections,” Major Brawka. The crew, which deployed here Aug. 10, has answered the call for supplies in the field on a near continuous basis since their arrival. Having a crew here in the war, closer to the areas that require the increased need of C-130H cargo drops, provides a quick reaction force to make sure those in need of supplies to ensure the safety and security of the Afghanistan people have it. The crews have successfully executed these missions since their arrival. “We’re the long-haul truckers of the sky,” said Maj. Clayne Bradley, 745th EAS navigator. “We get the stuff there so people can use it.” “The airlift community understands the importance of ensuring the beans, butter and bullets make it to the troops in the field on time, every time,” said Maj. John Boccieri, 745th EAS pilot and tactics officer. “The Air Force, Army and Marines jointly plan these airdrops and utilize the high-altitude airdrop capabilities.” Airlift operations are essential on a historical scale as Afghanistan National Army forces gradually become self sufficient in maintaining the safety and security of the region and helping ensure free elections. “The ANA have demonstrated their abilities with great success,” said Lt. Col. James Donnellan, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment. “The willingness and professionalism of the ANA to engage the enemy will ensure success for the security of Afghanistan.” BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Senior Airman Brandon Alonzo, 317th AMXS (Aircraft Maintenance Squadron) load master, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, directs a forklift loader to a C-130H aircraft, unloading supplies to ground troops in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Desiree L. Hayden, 379th Communications Squadron Multimedia)In ensuring continued success, getting supplies where and when needed is critical. The supply request for cargo that need to air or land dropped originates with the unit requesting the supplies, Army or Marine units in the field. The request is routed through the unit’s logistics chain to the Air Mobility Division at the Combined Air Operations Center. Once a final decision is made, Air Terminal Operations Center sends a message that sets all of the players in motion. "Making these missions a reality relies on the joint efforts of the Afghanistan National Army forces, Army and Marine Corps and as well as many other players, including the ATOC; tower; intel; my air crew, maintenance technicians; Army parachute riggers and other support personnel," said Major Brawka. "We appreciate all of their contributions of and the help and support we have received from the people here at Bagram, especially the support we received from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing – we couldn't get these missions done without them." The duration of the mission here is dependent on the need in the field. But regardless of how long they are here, the joint, combined and coalition forces are committed to making it a success, according to leadership. “In a few weeks, the people of Afghanistan will elect a National Assembly which will constitute a vote against continued violence and suffering and a vote for a free and prosperous future,” said Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya, Combined Joint Task Force 76 Commanding General. “The enemy, too, has choices to make: to peacefully and honorably reconcile with Afghanistan’s national government and become part of Afghanistan’s brighter future; or to continue to live in the shadow of continued military confrontation, violence, death and defeat.” |
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