10th AS deploy for second time this year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Frances Kriss
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The 10th Airlift Squadron "Pathfinders" deployed Nov. 29 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

More than 75 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 10th AS departed for a 60-day deployment to the Middle East. They were 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.

The unit will operate out of two bases, managing and flying missions concentrated in and around Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They are replacing the 7th AS, which is scheduled to return in early December.

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.

"Just as I said back in February, it is an honor to deploy as the commander of a flying squadron in a time of war," said Lt. Col. Clint ZumBrunnen, 10th AS commander. "We are taking a total force team to the combat zone. Airmen from Pacific Air Forces, Air Force Reserve Command and other squadrons in the 62nd Operations Group will work side-by-side for 60 days.

"I am fortunate to have so many contributors from outside the 10th AS on my team," said ZumBrunnen. "I am also fortunate to command a unit that has performed so admirably in 2012; skillfully succeeding at two higher headquarters inspections and at the same time preparing for a deployment. The Pathfinders set the bar high this year. It is a distinct privilege to be a part of this unit."

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.