4th AS deploys for overseas contingency

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The 4th Airlift Squadron deployed March 31 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

More than 60 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 4th AS departed for a 60-day deployment to the Middle East. They will be accompanied by Airmen from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The Airmen will take over operations of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

"It is an honor to be commanding some of America's finest," said Lt. Col. Corey Simmons, 817th EAS commander. "Our Airmen will be busy, but that's our job and we will do it well."

The unit will operate out of two bases, managing and flying missions in and around Southwest Asia. They are replacing the 8th AS, which is scheduled to return in April.
 
The mission of the 817th EAS is to provide global strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout the assigned areas of responsibility.

For most, this deployment will not be the first, but it will be for 1st Lt. Michelle Matern.

"I'm excited about going," said Matern, 62nd Operations Support Squadron intelligence officer. "My husband recently deployed for a year in Afghanistan and now it's my turn."

The 62nd AW's four active duty flying squadrons share responsibility for the deployed squadron and rotate operating the 817th EAS continuously. The deployments allow Air Mobility Command to consistently position assets closer to the action.