10th AS deploys for overseas contingency operations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Leah Young
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The 10th Airlift Squadron deployed Thursday in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

More than 90 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 10th AS departed for a 75-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.

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 Airlift Squadron which is scheduled to return in early March.

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.

"It is an incredible honor to command a deployed flying squadron in a time of war," said Lt. Col. Clint ZumBrunnen, 817th EAS commander. "We are taking a total force team to the combat zone. Airmen from Pacific Air Forces, Air Force Reserve Command and each of the other squadrons in the 62nd Operations Group will work side-by-side to accomplish the mission for 75 days."

"In such a dynamic environment, a wide range of perspectives and experience levels enhances the unit's effectiveness," said ZumBrunnen. "I am fortunate to have so many contributors from outside the 10th AS on my team."

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.