Military In Motion...
Air Expeditionary Force Rotations 1 and 2 "turns on final," as
about 700 airmen assigned to AEF Rotations 3 and 4 are slated to
hit the ground at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan over the coming
weeks.
The new team will deploy through May. "Our airmen are coming
from all over," said Air Force Col. Derrick Hoxie, 455th Air
Expeditionary Wing deputy commander. "They've got various
specialties, which they must now transfer to the battle rhythm of
Operation Enduring Freedom.
"The goal for AEF 3/4 is a successful deployment – both
personal and operational," he said. "As for the mission, the AEW
will continue to provide aerial support and protection for the
coalition effort on the ground, specifically in support of the
upcoming regional and provincial elections in the spring."
"We have 254 people coming in with the A-10s," said Air Force
Col. Warren Henderson, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group
commander. "In order to ensure there's continuing close-air support
available throughout the AEF swap-out, the current operations team
will remain in place until the new aviation package has
arrived."
The operations group, made up of flyers and maintainers, is
deploying as a unit from Pope Air Force Base, N.C. "Under the AEW,
we'll be divided into two groups – operations and maintenance
– where we'll work closely to accomplish the day- to-day
flying mission," Henderson said. "Our A-10s will provide close-air
support to the Army and other government agencies involved with
inspections, convoys, (distinguished visitor) escorts, border
crossings and policing efforts."
While the No. 1 job of the 455th is to provide "first-rate,
on-time support" to the troops on the ground, the focus of AEF 3
and 4 will be to leave the Army- run airfield in better condition
than it is today.
"We need to get out of the temporary mindset and focus on
sustainment," said Air Force Col. Rita Meyer, 455th Expeditionary
Mission Support Group commander.
"We've got a number of projects in the works," added Meyer,
"like the continuation of airfield improvements, the streamlining
of air cargo ops, and the rebuilding of shower and latrine
facilities. Limited numbers of living huts are another issue being
worked. And there will be some personnel and work- center moves in
order to round out the site plan."
Hoxie had guidance for the incoming airmen: "Pull out your tools
… you're gonna use 'em."
(ANN salutes Air Force Capt. Catie Hague, assigned to 455th Air
Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)