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380AEW Article

Photo essay: Wing staff Airmen lead deployed retreat ceremony

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol and Senior Airman Jenifer H. Calhoun
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing staff served as the lead unit for a retreat ceremony for the wing at a non-disclosed base here on May 21, 2010.

Every week the 380th AEW holds a retreat ceremony honoring the American flag as part of a continuing military tradition.

Air Force protocol procedures state the retreat ceremony serves two purposes. First, it signals the end of the official duty day and second, serves as a ceremony for paying respect to the flag. Because the time for the end of the duty day varies, the commander designates the specific time for the retreat ceremony.

A retreat ceremony may take place at the unit area, on the base parade ground, or in the vicinity of the flagstaff as it is done with the 380th AEW. If conducted at the base parade ground, retreat is a part of the parade ceremony. If conducted within the unit area, it is usually a ceremony not involving a parade.

If the retreat ceremony is conducted at the flagstaff, the units participating may be formed in line or they may be massed, depending upon the size and number of units and the space available.

The 380th AEW is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, air battle management, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

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