7th AS deploys for overseas contingency operations

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  • By 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  An airlift squadron from McChord Field deployed Wednesday in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

More than 100 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 7th Airlift Squadron departed for a 60-day deployment to the Middle East. 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 and the Horn of Africa. They are replacing the 4th Airlift Squadron who is scheduled to return in January.

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's a privilege to participate in this operation," said Lt. Col. Eric Carney, 817th EAS commander. "This is a true team effort and we're proud and excited to execute our mission. It's going to be a really busy time for us but we're ready to go do our job and do it well."

During their last deployment in May 2011, the C-17 squadron moved more than 33,984 passengers and delivered more than 81 million pounds of cargo to include 9,635 bundles with a combined weight of more than 15 million pounds on 280 drop zones.

"We are honored to go forward and fill the 817th EAS mission," said Carney. "We are a group of professionals from across multiple active and reserve units who will work together to provide the responsive airlift the warfighter needs. We will miss our friends and families, but we will execute the mission with pride and professionalism and be back soon."

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.