8th AS returns home after dual-location deployment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Leah Young
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  More than 90 Airmen from McChord Field returned home Nov. 3 after a 67-day deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The 8th Airlift Squadron was deployed as the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to two separate overseas contingency locations in the Middle East.

"Operating from two locations simultaneously presented some unique opportunities, and our team accomplished their assigned missions at an amazing 95 percent mission completion rate," said Lt. Col. Harmon Lewis, 817th EAS commander. "Our group of aviators and ground support formed a phenomenal team that executed in the fine tradition of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. I'm proud of them and proud to be one of them."

During their deployment, the Airmen flew more than 1,000 combat sorties, moved more than 53,829 passengers and delivered more than 31.5 million pounds of cargo, including 1.5 million pounds of critical supplies airdropped directly to forward operating bases in remote regions of Afghanistan.

"This team consisted of truly remarkable young men and women doing the nation's business as quiet professionals and combat experts in the C-17 Globemaster III," said Lt. Col. Steve Dols, 817th EAS Det. 1 commander. "We also had a great deal of support from other 62nd Airlift Wing squadrons, as well as our Guard and Reserve partners."

The team also executed five short-notice distinguished visitor missions, including moving the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President's Deputy National Security Advisor for Afghanistan to Pakistan for a meeting with the Prime Minister.

According to Airmen of the 817th EAS, the mission would not have been a success without the constant support from loved ones back home.

"Our families deserve the spotlight," said Master Sgt. Kristy Frost, 817th EAS first sergeant. "Without them, we could not have had a successful deployment. They really got behind us and formed a support network that lifted our spirits with care packages, letters and home-baked treats. The workhorse families made sacrifices during the days leading up to and throughout our deployment."

The 62nd Airlift Wing'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.

Members of the 8th AS were replaced by the 4th AS, which departed for the Middle East Oct. 26 and are expected to return in January.