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380AEW Article

Photo essay: Deployed security forces lead wing retreat ceremony

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  On April 23, 2010, Airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing held a retreat ceremony to honor the American flag. The 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron served as the lead unit for the retreat formation.

Each week, the 380th AEW pays tribute to the American flag and what it stands for by holding the wing-wide ceremony with various units leading the retreat each week.

According to the Air Force manual for drill and ceremony, the retreat ceremony remains as a tradition in today's military by marking the end of the military day and honors the flag as it is lowered. The bugle call "Retreat" precedes the flag ceremony. At the first sound of the bugle, participants in the ceremony face the flag, or sound of the bugle if the flag is not visible, and stand at parade rest. When they see the flag being lowered or hear the bugle call "To the Colors" or the national anthem, come to attention and render a salute. The salute is held until the flag is lowered or until the music ends.

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, 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.

For the 380th AEW's April 16 ceremony, click here to see the Slideshow.