8th AS Airmen return home

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  More than 130 Airmen from the 8th Airlift Squadron here returned home July 3 after a 120-day deployment in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.

The Airmen were deployed as the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at various locations throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and Europe.

While deployed, the squadron executed more than 2,850 sorties, racked up 5,600 flying hours and moved more than 39,000 passengers and 49,000 tons of cargo.

"It's kind of surprising to hear how much we carried," said 1st Lt. Jesse Riggert, a pilot with the 8th AS, who said he flew almost every other day into Iraq and Afghanistan. The 8th AS flew multiple aeromedical evacuation missions, safely whisking away wounded warriors from the frontlines to advanced medical treatment facilities.

The 8th AS also flew three combat airdrop missions in Afghanistan providing life-sustaining supplies to coalition forces battling the Taliban.

"I am extremely proud of our combat airlifters of the mighty 8th AS," said Lt. Col. Al Miller, 8th AS operations officer. "The accomplishments of these outstanding Airmen flying combat missions in support of OIF and OEF are a result of superior attitudes, dedication and exceptional professionalism."