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380AEW Article

Base extends hand to tankers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brian J. Ellis
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Airman of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing proved that flexibility is the key to airpower when they provided contingency support to several diverted aircraft. 

The 380th AEW supported KC-135 Stratotanker's when unsuitable landing conditions at their home field caused them to divert. The 380th AEW Command Post, Expeditionary Maintenance Group, Mission Support Group and Operations Support Squadron stepped into high gear to recover and turn the diverted aircraft.
 
"It was a perfect example of the 380th AEW team coming together, developing a plan based on dynamic conditions and executing that plan safely while at the same time continuing to execute the air tasking order," said Lt. Col. Christopher Hall, 380th EOSS, commander.
 
The 380th AEW has limited aircraft ramp space which makes parking additional aircraft a challenge. Effective communication and timely coordination with host nation liaisons enabled the safe recovery and launch of the short notice diverting aircraft and the simultaneous recovery and launch of 380th AEW ATO tasked assets.
 
The joint fight has become a part of today's world and each unit must ensure they are trained and ready to help their sister services and coalition nations. The 380th AEW showed today that they are capable of adapting and supporting the joint fight.
 
"The Airmen at the 380th AEW always stand ready to respond with flexibility and professionalism when contingency operations turn into real world operations," said Col. Paul Murphy, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander.
 
Combined with other capabilities of the 380th AEW, the refueling operations is a force extension enabler contributing to a critical role in keeping friendly forces as well as our own Airman and aircraft in the fight.