McChord flying squadrons continue to meet the mission

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  In late March, McChord's three flying squadrons (the 7th Airlift Squadron is currently deployed) had combined to fly 3,078 sorties, transporting more than 25,000 tons of cargo and piling up more than 11,000 flying hours since the beginning of the year.

Airlift taskings continue at a heavy pace due to ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and McChord aircrews are meeting the challenge.

"It's as busy now as I've seen it in the past year," said Lt. Col. Stephen Ritter, 10th AS director of operations.

Between scheduling upgrade training for pilots at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., flying local training missions and flying transport missions in and out of the area of responsibility, Colonel Ritter said it is a constant challenge to provide aircrews predictability in their schedules with everything that is going on.

"That's the life of a strategic airlifter," he said. "We just encourage them to take leave when they can and really enjoy the time that they are off."

Aircrews can usually sense an uptick in the operations tempo and they know that it is just a reality that happens from time to time, said Lt. Col. James Ray, 4th AS commander.

"We try to let them know what's going on with everything ... we give them as much information as we can so they can plan their lives accordingly," Colonel Ray said.

The one bit of predictability schedulers can offer is the set date for pilots to attend their upgrade training, Colonel Ritter said.

"That way, they can plan some of their leave around it," he said.

As increases in mission taskings are not unusual, Colonel Ray said it's something his Airmen are prepared to handle.

"They always rise to meet the challenge," he said. "We let them know their efforts are appreciated. We have a great group and they know what their commitment to the Air Force entails. They always come prepared."

That dedication is one large piece of how McChord's active and reserve operations, maintenance and support groups ensure McChord continues to provide world class airlift support to the nation, said Col. Joseph Wiley, 62nd Operations Group commander.

"Whether it's Presidential support, contingency operations or joint training, the green tail flash is a mark of excellence," Colonel Wiley said.