Photo By Staff Sgt. Reanna Hartgrove | The 145th Airlift Wing (145 AW) hosts friends and family as they welcome Airmen from...... read more read more
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Families, friends and community members welcome home 164 Airmen from the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 145th Airlift Wing (AW) and local communities as they return to Charlotte, NC on Sept. 15, after a 90-day deployment in the Middle East. This marks the unit’s first C-17 Globemaster III deployment.
The Airmen, assigned to the 156th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (EAS), supported the U.S. Transportation Command in operations Spartan Shield, Inherent Resolve, and the 12-Day War. Over the course of the deployment, they executed more than 200 combat missions, transporting over 13.4 million pounds of cargo, 6,300 passengers and 2,264 pallets. The squadron accumulated more than 1,000 combat flying hours while maintaining a 99% quality assurance rate across nearly 2,000 maintenance actions.
“This was the first C-17 deployment for the NCANG, and it was a base-wide effort to support the launch and recovery of the deployed package,” said Lt. Col. James P. Balcom, 145th Maintenance Squadron commander. “Deploying for the first time as a C-17 unit, during the hottest time of the year, with never-before-seen challenges and situations, is no small feat. Hundreds of missions, thousands of passengers, millions of pounds of cargo, accomplished with professionalism, safety in mind, and a positive attitude. What a team!”
This deployment underscored the unit’s readiness to respond globally while maintaining its connection to its home state. The 156th EAS worked closely with host nations and embassies, ensuring equipment and support were in place to accomplish their mission. Rotational maintenance crews worked around the clock to keep the aircraft mission-ready.
“The professional Airmen of the 156th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron proved the Agile Combat Employment and Mission Ready Airmen training we’ve accomplished over the past five years prepared us to generate airpower despite multiple hurdles we faced while deployed,” said Maj. Nicholas Tomlin, officer in charge of the 156th EAS. “These Airmen made the U.S. Air Force, the North Carolina Air National Guard, the City of Charlotte and their families very proud. Personally, I’ve never been prouder to serve in my 27-year career. It was a total epic airlift, effort!”
Balcom emphasized that mission success would not be possible without the families left behind and non-deployers who provided support for both pre- and post-deployment requirements, as well as sustainment operations at home.
“The camaraderie developed for both the away and home teams should enhance operations indefinitely, as will the support given from families, employers and coworkers alike,” Balcom explained.
The 145th AW’s mission is to provide airlift, combat, and humanitarian support to both state and federal authorities. The recent deployment reflects the dual role of Citizen Airmen: serving abroad and at home. Whether supporting overseas combat operations or delivering aid during state emergencies, the Airmen of the 145th AW continue to demonstrate dedication to their communities and nation.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2025 15:47 |
| Story ID: | 548981 |
| Location: | NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 104 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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