Photo By Senior Airman Brenden Beezley | Gallant Unit Citation recipients pose for a photo with 86th Airlift Wing leadership...... read more read more
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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Eighteen Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing who deployed in support of the 40th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron received the Gallant Unit Citation Dec. 5, for their role in the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing’s combat operations from April 2 to Oct. 6.
The 386th AEW was awarded the citation for its support during a period that saw critical operations including Operations ROUGH RIDER and MIDNIGHT HAMMER. The 386th served as the primary airlift hub and gateway for delivering combat power to joint and coalition forces in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. As part of that effort, the 40th EAS delivered 72 percent of all cargo and personnel in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
The Gallant Unit Citation is the U.S. military’s second highest unit award for extraordinary heroism in combat and is considered roughly equivalent to the Silver Star awarded to individuals.
Augmenting the 40th EAS, the Airmen from Ramstein’s 37th Airlift Squadron and the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron deployed with two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and three full aircrews. The crews integrated into high-tempo operations that included rapid relocation in response to missile threats, supporting a dispersal of critical resources to sustain flexible airlift capabilities across multiple theaters.
“It was pretty amazing to see how quickly we were able to respond,” said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Gac, 86th AMXS flying crew chief. “In less than 72 hours, our team of six maintainers and two aircraft were out the door and making a real difference in the mission.”
The Ramstein Airmen reinforced the 40th EAS with additional aircraft and crews, increasing the squadron’s mission-generation capacity, ensuring aircraft could be turned, launched and sustained at the pace the operations demanded. Their support helped sustain tactical airlift capabilities during a period of intense and rapidly shifting mission demands.
“No two crews experienced the same mission, but all of them performed at an incredible level,” said Maj. Daniel Sabatelli, 86th Operations Group chief C-130J evaluator and 40th EAS C-130J instructor pilot. “Some launched into missions without knowing where they’d end up, others executed real-world airdrops and one was literally in the air when everything kicked off.”
Through their support the Airmen ensured the 40th EAS could continue delivering reliable airlift capability throughout the deployment. It demonstrated the 86th AW’s ability to seamlessly integrate into expeditionary operations.
"We couldn't be more proud of our Global Gateway Airmen recognized in today's presentation," said Brig. Gen. Adrienne Williams, 86th Airlift Wing commander. "Their stories epitomize the lineage of who we are at the 86th and prove that whether we're operating in forward locations or from our home stations across four countries, our people rise to the challenge of enabling our nation's priorities."
| Date Taken: | 12.15.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.17.2025 04:10 |
| Story ID: | 554167 |
| Location: | RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 6 |
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