Wing responds to increased operations

Published Feb. 17, 2007
By Capt. Wes Ticer
379th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing kicked it up a notch this week to support ongoing operations in Iraq, while still providing a presence in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.

Flying squadrons and maintenance units throughout the wing responded to the call for an increased display of air power to back the resolve of the government of Iraq to protect its sovereignty and the security within its border.

In a two day period, the 379th AEW supported a Coalition effort that flew 102 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The missions included support to Coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

"As is the case every day, everyone is this wing responded to the call for demonstrating how the dominance of air power synchronizes with the ground forces' efforts," said Col. Jeffrey Fraser, 379th AEW vice commander. "We employed the full range of our wing's airpower to support the effort to secure Baghdad and ports of entry throughout Iraq."

The increased tempo is something felt by more than those working on the flightline.

For example, any time sortie rates increase there is a snowball effect on the supply chain, according to Chief Master Sgt. Mike Allen, chief of supply in the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"Our supply professionals work very closely with maintainers to ensure we get parts and keep the aircraft mission ready," Chief Allen said. "The relationship between us and aircraft maintenance is fabulous, and that helps us keep the jets flying."

"It affects all of us...from supplying paper for air tasking orders to getting spare parts to replace the ones we use," Chief Allen said.

The wing's new hydrant fuel system has proven to be safer and more efficient in meeting the demands of flying operations, according to Capt. John Klohr, 379th ELRS Fuels Management Flight commander.

As a major fuel hub in Southwest Asia, the flight dispenses more than 700,000 gallons of fuel every day, Captain Klohr said. The increase in flying also increases the importance of balancing receipts to ensure enough fuel is on hand.

The Coalition will continue to provide the persistent presence requested by the Iraqi government with the support from the 379th AEW's air refueling, ISR and airlift assets.

"We are here to assist the Iraqi people in securing their country and establishing an environment where anti-Iraqi forces are unable to operate," Colonel Fraser said.