SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Master Sgt. James Perrott, a boom operator with the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, recently deployed from the 171st Air Refueling Wing out of Pittsburgh, Pa., Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
Perrott, a Pittsburgh native, deployed to the 340th EARS, with two KC-135 Stratotanker pilots, also from the 171st ARW.
Several times a week, the team of three fly on a KC-135 throughout their assigned area of responsibility where they refuel several types of aircraft from A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to C-17 Globemaster IIIs.
“The 340th EARS’ mission is to refuel North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, aircraft that support the troops on the ground,” said Lt. Col. Susan Doherty, 340th EARS pilot and aircraft commander.
Perrott’s responsibilities as a boom operator is to safely and effectively refuel other aircraft while in flight.
“My favorite part of our mission is contributing to war efforts,” said Perrott. “It gives you the feeling of being a part of history. This deployment is also easy to enjoy when you have a great crew to work with.”
When Perrott isn’t working as a boom operator and refueling aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom he is a lieutenant at the #8 Fire Department in the city of Pittsburgh.
Perrot has served in the ANG for 19 years and has deployed nearly 10 times.