317th Airlift Wing deploys to USAFE and USAFRICOM

Photo By Staff Sgt. Emily Copeland | A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules deploys out of Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 8, 2018. The 317th AW deployments are on a four-month rotational schedule, which provides combat-delivery capabilities through tactical airlift and airdrop operations as well as supporting global humanitarian efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emily Copeland)  

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, TX, UNITED STATES

01.18.2018

Story by Airman 1st Class Emily Copeland 

7th Bomb Wing

Approximately 100 Airmen from the 317th Airlift Wing deployed to Ramstein Air Base, Germany and Djibouti, Africa, in support of Operation New Normal, Jan. 8.
The 317th AW members deploy on a rotational basis, providing combat-delivery capability through tactical airlift and airdrop operations, humanitarian efforts and aeromedical evacuations for U.S. and coalition forces in the U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe area of responsibility.
While deployed, Airmen of the 317th AW will provide intra-theater airlift capabilities, while supporting the East Africa Response Force in addition to the personnel recovery mission for the Combine Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
“For many this will be their first deployment,” said Maj. William Pahn, 40th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander. “However, there are others with five or more deployments under their belt and for one Airman this will be their tenth deployment.”
While this may be the first time deploying for many, all have trained diligently to ensure they are ready at a moment’s notice.
“Our deployers have been training hard leading up to this day and are excited to turn all of the hard work
they have been preparing for into delivering combat airlift power downrange,” Pahn said.

The experience can be stressful for new deployers but exciting for Airmen who have joined the Air Force for the opportunity to travel and see how every job plays a crucial role in the mission.

“I have always wanted to be able to travel and see new things,” said Airman 1st Class Aja Taylor, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communication navigation journeyman. “This is a great opportunity to finally see how our work contributes to the mission on a larger scale.”

• Date Taken: 01.18.2018
• Date Posted: 01.19.2018 18:18
• Story ID: 262436
• Location: DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, TX, US