Detachment 8 departs for final mission to Kuwait

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Carmen Fleischmann | Soldiers of the Florida Army National Guard's Detachment 8 Operational Support Airlift Agency (OSACOM Det), stand proudly in formation at the conclusion of their departure ceremony held June 26 at the FLARNG's C-12 hangar at Saint Augustine Airport. Families, friends and community leaders packed the small location to with the unit well on their nine-month deployment to Kuwait.  

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, UNITED STATES

06.26.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Carmen Fleischmann 

Florida National Guard Public Affairs Office

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - For the aviation Soldiers of the Florida National Guard’s (FLNG) Detachment 8 Operation Support Airlift Agency (OSACOM Det.), the mission never stops, whether they are providing support at home or abroad. During their departure ceremony held June 26 at the FLNG’s C-12 hangar at the St. Augustine Airport for a mission to Kuwait, it was clear to all present that they are well-prepared for their next assignment.

“On top of everything you’ve done already, I know you will continue to make us proud,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun, the adjutant general of Florida.

Their deployment history began with a mission to Kuwait in 2003, so it is fitting that they finish out their legacy as Det. 8 with a final mission back to where it all began. They will convert to Detachment 1, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, upon returning for this nine-month deployment.

“It’s a sad day for the families, somewhat of an exciting day for the Soldiers. They have an opportunity to finally do what they have been trained for,” said Det. 8 Commander Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jay Burke. “It’s not a normal Kuwait deployment. These Soldiers will be going outside the wire, doing a valuable mission – moving troops in and out of harm’s way.”

The commander continued that the real heroes in this situation are the families.

“Those are the people that sacrifice the most. We just do our jobs that we signed up for. It’s the wives, the family members, the friends – they sacrifice, they’re the heroes,” he said.

Before the ceremony concluded, Det. 8 was recognized for receiving the Army National Guard East Region Award for small aircraft category. This annual award recognizes operational support airlift units for providing outstanding support to the Department of Defense Operation Support Airlift Program. Some of Det. 8’s accomplishments during the rating period included: Logging 587 flight hours flown, supporting 98 missions, flying 602 passengers and lifting 5,243 lbs of cargo.

This award is a testament to Det. 8’s commitment excellence, and also speaks to its level of preparedness.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Nick Goddard, a C-12 pilot with Det. 8, says his unit is always ready for the nation’s call, and this mission is no exception.

“They have been performing this mission off and on since 2003,” he said. “We are already ready. We train every day on daily missions for the state of Florida, so when it’s time to go, we’re already trained and ready to go.”

• Date Taken: 06.26.2015
• Date Posted: 06.26.2015 16:03
• Story ID: 168326
• Location: ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, US