7th AS deploys for overseas contingency operations

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The 7th Airlift Squadron deployed Sept. 26 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

More than 65 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 7th AS departed for a 60-day deployment to the Middle East. They are accompanied by Airmen from the 446th AW and others 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 for the 7th Airlift Squadron to be asked once more to forward deploy to support and sustain OEF forces," said Lt. Col. William Mickley, 817th EAS commander. "As in the past we are fortunate to have aircrew members from various other squadrons across the C-17 community joining our team for this deployment. Their participation is a great benefit to both the 7th and their parent unit.

"Providing agile combat airlift to the joint and coalition warfighter is more vital today than ever. It makes my heart swell to see how enthusiastic this group of Airmen is to move-out and contribute to meeting today's challenges head-on. I'm extremely proud to be a part of this great team, and even more so, humbled to be leading them."

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 4th Airlift Squadron, which is scheduled to return in early October.

As the 817th EAS, their mission 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.

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.