340th EARS supports mission breaks records

Photo By Ciara Gosier | U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron and Maintenance Unit pose for a group photo at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sept. 3, 2014. For two consecutive months, the 340th EARS with the support of multiple other organizations reached a milestone of flying more than 1,000 sorties in a 30 day period. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs)  

AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR

09.05.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Ciara Gosier 

379th Air Expeditionary Wing

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar – Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, is known for breaking records, not just on a thermometer but also at the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron.

For two consecutive months, the 340th EARS with the support of multiple other organizations reached a milestone of flying more than 1,000 sorties in a 30 day period. In that time frame, the highest volume of fuel was also delivered to a record breaking number of receivers.

“In the month of August, the 340th Pythons, operations and maintenance, with the support of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, truly hit a grand slam,” said Lt. Col Van Thai, 340th EARS commander. “We set four benchmark records. Making a mission impact and we are proud to do our nation’s bidding.”

Airmen across the wing played a part in adding to the history, from fuels to maintenance to logistics to force support.
Senior Master Sgt. Howard Gibson, 340th EARS superintendent, said he was honored to be a part of a unit that steadily puts records in the books.

“The opportunity to be a part of something like this, when you think about the history of the 340th,” said Gibson. “Not only is it an honor, it’s amazing and also quite humbling to put it into perspective.”

“I’m humbled, amazed and truly honored to be a part of a team that has the longevity and history of the 340th EARS,” said Gibson.

With over 400 Airmen from across six major commands and 26 bases, they all come here with a common mentality and result in mind.

“What made it happen was, it’s a total team effort,” said Thai. “Focus on the mission and rock it, it takes everyone coming together to rock the mission.”

Keeping the numbers high is also what keeps these Airmen motivated.

“It’s rewarding when we see the numbers as a whole,” said Senior Airman Justin Mynatt, 340th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. “To see all the work that we’re doing is really making a difference in putting aircraft in the air.”

Senior Master Sgt. Goethe, 340th AMU assistant non-commissioned officer in charge, said the Airmen come here knowing that it’s a job to be done and they are ready to work, and they hit the ground running.

“If we beat records supporting the ground troops, it is what it is,” said Goethe. “The guys and girls take pride in what they’re doing, but at the end of the day they’re just doing their job.”

• Date Taken: 09.05.2014
• Date Posted: 09.05.2014 05:39
• Story ID: 141222
• Location: AL UDEID AIR BASE, QA