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Airmen airdrop messages to Iraqi citizens

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  American Airman continue to deliver critical information to Iraqi citizens living and working in some of the most dangerous cities in Iraq.

While airlift aircrews in the Air Force typically transport cargo and passengers from Point A to Point B, another major part of their mission deals with airdropping equipment, supplies, and humanitarian relief aid around the world. In the Global War on Terror the airlift mission includes dropping leaflets with information for the local citizens aimed at improving interactions with U.S. and coalition ground forces conducting operations in their neighborhoods.

An Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew assigned to the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron recently flew one the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's multiple airdrop missions over Iraq in 2008. The nine-member aircrew airdropped several hundred thousand leaflets to Iraqi citizens on the ground.

"We've heard and seen that the airdrops are having a direct impact on the ground operations," said Capt. Nancy Badgett, a 737th EAS C-130 pilot and aircraft commander for the recent mission over Iraq.

The seven year veteran pilot said she's flown on more than 70 combat sorties, but this was her first combat airdrop mission.

"The way these drops work are a little different then how we practice at home, so we spent a bit of time beforehand talking about the non-standard [procedures] and preparing for the leaflet mission," said Captain Badgett, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. "The airdrop mission is exciting, and we we're lucky to get a chance to do it."

With an around-the-clock flying operation often requiring up to 15 hour days to get the mission done, these aircrews know first-hand the importance of the war they are engaged in.

"I think we all kind of joined the Air Force for the same reasons -- to serve our country," said Staff Sgt. Gabriel Molanders, one of two 737th EAS C-130 loadmasters who flew on the mission with Captain Badgett.

Sergeant Molanders has flown on more than 200 combat sorties and logged more than 1,500 hours in the C-130 since joining the Air Force five years ago, but said this particular mission was his first combat airdrop mission as well.

"We're just aircrew doing our job and part of the mission," said Sergeant Molanders. "I feel pretty good about what I do out here; although, I prefer bringing the war fighters out of the [war zone] than bringing them into the [war zone]."

"The recent leaflet airdrop missions flown by the men and women of the 737th are significant in that these missions, coupled with the electronic attack missions flown by the 43rd Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron, are enabling actionable combat operations to terminate our foes," said Col. Gary Goldstone, commander of the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group. "Truly, these missions exemplify the 386th EOG's collective ability to execute anywhere, anytime.

"The 386th continues to execute tactical airdrop and electronic attack missions in order to provide combat power," said Colonel Goldstone. "I am honored to be a part of team that excels 24/7."