7th AS Airmen return home

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  More than 40 Airmen from the 7th Airlift Squadron returned to JBLM Aug. 3, 2013 after a 60-day deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Airmen from the 7th AS were deployed as the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron operating out of two bases, managing and flying missions in and around Southwest Asia.

As the 817th EAS, they provided airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, transporting personnel, equipment and supplies throughout the assigned areas of responsibility.

"We moved a lot troops," said 1st Lt. Craig Ingvalson, 7th AS pilot. "Everyone performed really well and completed what we set out to do. This was definitely a mission success and I'm proud to be part of such an outstanding team of Airmen."

During their deployment, the 7th AS worked with Airmen from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"I know we made a difference," said Staff Sgt. Mike Luna, 7th AS loadmaster. "Because of our efforts, countless men and woman were able to get back home safely with their families. Our Airmen and C-17s are what made the difference in getting them out of those austere locations."

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 7th AS were replaced by the 10th AS, which departed for the Middle East, July 29 and are expected to return in early October.