ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday morning, the 133rd Airlift Wing of the Minnesota National Guard will welcome home more than 100 of its Airmen following a regularly scheduled deployment to Africa.
“The dedication, professionalism, and skill of our squadron were on full display through multiple high‑visibility operations and no‑fail missions that demanded absolute precision,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Denny Paulsen, commander of the 133rd Operations Group. “While supporting the Combatant Commander’s highest priorities, our Airmen met every challenge head‑on.”
In February, friends and family watched their Airmen depart for Africa in support of Operation New Normal and other counterterrorism operations. In addition to standard missions, they played a major role in two separate high‑visibility operations explicitly designated as the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander’s top priority. While the deployment proved busier than initially anticipated, the Wing's tactical airlift expertise and steadfast execution of complex mission sets earned high praise from senior military leaders across the region.
“All of Minnesota can be proud of what the Airmen of have accomplished,” Paulsen said. “Their performance has left a lasting mark on our state, and on the legacy of the C‑130H (aircraft).”
Additionally, a notable boost in morale came for the Airmen in early May when local community group Serving Our Troops flew 12-oz steaks to AFRICOM – feeding the Minnesota Airmen and other service members on the base to the tune of over 4,000 meals served. Concurrently, the same friends and family who had watched their Airmen depart months earlier were welcomed to a St. Paul restaurant to enjoy a steak dinner.
The deployment also marked the bittersweet conclusion of a 30-year era of trusted service with the C-130H model aircraft, which is being replaced across the 133rd Airlift Wing by the newer C-130J model as part of the Minnesota National Guard’s ongoing modernization efforts.
About the 133rd Airlift Wing: The 133rd Airlift Wing has a proud heritage as part of the Minnesota Air National Guard. The 133rd's heritage can be traced through the 109th Observation Squadron, the first federally recognized National Guard aviation unit in the United States, later becoming part of what is now known as the Air National Guard. The 133rd Airlift Wing celebrated their 100th year in Jan. 2021.
About the Minnesota National Guard: Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has nearly 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.