BRADLEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Conn. The 103rd Airlift Wing has completed its first Hurricane Disaster Relief Mission since converting to a tactical airlift mission.
On Aug. 28, 2017, the Flying Yankees of the 103rd provided an airplane and crew to transport a command and control team from Andrews AFB in Maryland to Austin, Texas, to aid in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The mission was different than hurricane relief efforts of the past in that it required the unit to provide a greater amount of support.
“Sometimes our state mission can cross state lines,” said Col. Roy V. Walton, Vice Wing Commander, 103rd Airlift Wing. “The C-130 conversion has changed how the 103rd is being utilized for support. Skillsets, such as aerial port, that we didn’t have in 2005 when Katrina hit are now available for use.”
The Air National Guard has dual missions that include both federal and state operations. The mission requires units to maintain mobilization readiness and provide emergency relief support during natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes. The C-130, with its proven versatility and reliability, plays an important role in mission accomplishment.
“In the past, before the C-130 conversion, our role would typically be state specific,” said Walton. “This is the first time we’ve used the C-130s in support of Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA). We’ve been alerted to provide additional C-130 support to ensure relief personnel and equipment are available to send to Texas.”
In future hurricane relief efforts, the 103rd Airlift Wing may be called upon to provide C-130s to transport Red Cross materials such as blankets, food, and water, as well as to transport medical patients and refugees in decimated areas.