Team McChord: Ready when duty calls

  • Published
  • By Col. Jerry Martinez
  • 62nd Airlift Wing commander
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Our motto, Global Reach for America, rang loud and true last week. A C-17 from McChord air dropped critical engine supplies to a disabled British fishing trawler caught for over two weeks in packed ice off Antarctica's northern coast. 

The Argos Georgia had a very grim outlook with dangerous icebergs and low-pressure weather systems looming in the area. But just 18 hours after notification, Operation Deep Freeze personnel from McChord got the green light to accomplish the rescue. 

Lt. Gen. Loyd "Chip" Utterback said, "Quick action was needed and versatile air power was the response." 

It's all due to the excellent work ethic and determination of the men and women of Team McChord; we are always ready when duty calls. 

The Air Force's number one priority is to fight and win the Global War on Terror, but there are also special occasions when we are called upon to support our friends and neighbors with humanitarian efforts. Participation in Hurricane Katrina recovery, the tsunamis in the Pacific and the most recent case of the Argos Georgia can never be planned in advance. Our nation demands that we are not only ready for the defense of the nation, but ready to act on a moment's notice to provide aid to the world. 

You are part of a force that our adversaries worry about. Any target is at risk with our lethal combination of air and space power capabilities. You provide our nation with unmatched Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. Air Mobility Command provides operational reach for the deployment and employment of the joint combat team. 

At the same time, we can provide humanitarian relief anywhere in the world. It is safe to say that we have a McChord aircraft operating on every continent, over every ocean and in every major region of the world. But without you, a vital member of Team McChord, none of this would have been possible. As always, thank you for what you do.