133rd Airlift Wing Members Home in Time for Christmas

Photo By Master Sgt. Amy Lovgren | Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks with U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing in St. Paul, Minn., Dec. 7, 2023. The Airmen returned from the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility, where they will transport cargo and personnel. (U.S. Air National Gurad photo by Amy M. Lovgren)  

ST. PAUL, MN, UNITED STATES

12.07.2023

Story by Capt. Andrea Kostiuk 

133rd Airlift Wing

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Thursday, Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing family members will welcome home more than 125 Airmen from a deployment to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.

“Our wing is so proud of what our Airmen accomplished during their deployment overseas,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse Carlson, commander of the 133rd Airlift Wing. “We train extremely hard to be ready to execute our mission when the nation calls. We are especially excited to have our Airmen come home safely in time for the holidays so they can be with their families. We express sincere gratitude to the families for the sacrifices they have made and the support they give. We cannot do our jobs without them, and getting everyone reunited now is very special.”

While deployed, the Airmen were responsible for maintaining four C-130 Hercules aircraft and transporting passengers and cargo as dictated by the mission. The C-130 Hercules H-3 model has been with the 133rd Airlift Wing since 1996 and is expected to be replaced with the C-130J Super Hercules model by 2030.

- About the Minnesota National Guard -
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.

• Date Taken: 12.07.2023
• Date Posted: 12.07.2023 17:49
• Story ID: 459377
• Location: ST. PAUL, MN, US