NATO E-3A Component celebrates 10,000 fight hours in support of Afghanistan Operation

Courtesy Photo | A NATO AWACS sits on the flightline at Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. On Oct. 26, 2013, the NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Component reached a significant milestone of 10,000 flight hours in support of Operation Afghan Assist (OAA). This is a remarkable accomplishment reflecting almost 1,000 missions in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) during this past two and a half years.  

GEILENKIRCHEN, NW, GERMANY

10.28.2013

Courtesy Story

NATO E-3A Component

By Capt. Wilko ter Horst

GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany - On Oct. 26, 2013, the NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System Component reached a significant milestone of 10,000 flight hours in support of Operation Afghan Assist (OAA). This is a remarkable accomplishment reflecting almost 1,000 missions in two and a half years. The E-3A Component supported International Security Assistance Force during this period without any critical air or ground related incidents.

This incredible achievement traces roots back to Jan. 15, 2011 which was the first operational flight for OAA. NATO AWACS deployed in support of ISAF to provide Air Command and Control, airspace deconfliction, communications relay and radar coverage in the Afghan airspace, aerial refueling flow management and civil/military aircraft deconfliction. AWACS provided enhanced situational awareness for both air and ground commanders. It enables control of close air support assets, surveillance and communications support to ground operations including medical evacuation operations and personnel recovery.

“After almost 1000 missions completed, the E-3A Component can be proud of a remarkable accomplishment in support of NATO’s ISAF mission in Afghanistan, said Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Breedlove. “The Component’s NATO AWACS aircraft have logged more than 10,000 flying hours under Operation Afghan Assist [AOO], while operating out of Mazar-e Sharif for the past 2 and a half years. Their crews have flawlessly and consistently provided critical mission contributions often in direct support of land forces engaged in contact or conducting medical evacuation operations. Congratulations to the whole team for maintaining such excellence watching over the skies of Afghanistan."

As a matter of fact, Mazar-e-Sharif became synonymous with long missions from Turkey to Afghanistan and back, after only a few days on the ground. Unavailability of accommodation, lack of aircraft parking space, and the need to underline the non-permanent character of our use of MeS were some of the main reasons for the long missions. Fortunately, that changed when the Component was able to upgrade its footprint in MeS to a permanent solution. Our crews were finally able to deploy to MeS for the full duration of their deployment rotation. While this reduced the individual number of flying hours, it increased the duration of the deployment cycle.

Nevertheless, to date a high mission accomplishment rate has been achieved thanks not only to the valuable efforts of our maintenance and mission crews, but also to the support of many Component organizations back in Geilenkirchen as well as the hard work of the advanced echelon (ADVON) and administrative teams in theater.

“And I recognize it," said NATO Airborne Warning and Control Force commander Maj. General Jochen Both. “I’d like to congratulate all the hard working men and women from the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force Command who made this momentous occasion possible.10,000 flying hours - contributing significantly to the joint ISAF mission without any critical air or ground related incidents - is a remarkable achievement that illustrates not only NATO’s resolve to support operations anywhere in the world, but also the exemplary professionalism and discipline by each individual Component member deploying into theater. Many of you and your co-workers have deployed far away from their families and loved ones and many of you have done this several times. But, know your efforts have not gone unnoticed. The daily contributions this Force makes to this ISAF mission is recognized throughout the NATO nations and is demonstrated by the constant appreciation of forces on the ground and in the air. As this mission continues, avoid complacency and maintain the high standard you've set with all your hard work and dedication. Thank you for your all sacrifices, contributions and your continued service and many happy landings.”

In many ways these ongoing E-3A Component operations supporting the NATO International Security and Assistance Force in Afghanistan mark the evolution within the E-3A Component to meet the demands of NATO commanders. What was envisioned as a force focused on air defense, is now an airborne command and control capability essential to NATO operations today. Component aircrews are conducting operations in support of ground and special operation forces, a role never envisioned when the Component was started in 1982. The E-3A Component has also adopted an expeditionary mindset, sustaining a very high mission effectiveness rate from a deployed operating base.

As Maj. Gen. Both remarked earlier this year, throughout this evolution there has been an enduring constant – the people. The professionalism of the men and women who represent their nations by serving in the NATO AWACS program is extraordinary and has carried the E-3A Component forward for thirty years. In many ways, the over 20,000 people who have been assigned to the Component, have enabled this remarkable achievement in Operation Afghan Assist today. The E-3A Component stands as an excellent example of the capability which can be delivered by through cooperation among airmen from 16 nations working as a team under the umbrella of the NATO alliance.

• Date Taken: 10.28.2013
• Date Posted: 10.28.2013 05:53
• Story ID: 115816
• Location: GEILENKIRCHEN, NW, DE