AFCENT Command Chief visits 380th

Published March 18, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The Command Chief Master Sgt., U.S. Air Forces Central, Chief Scott Dearduff, visited the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing recently to put "eyes-on" current operations.

"I'm very impressed with how the team here has grown since my last visit and am very pleased to see the how well they are adapting to an ever-changing, dynamic mission."

While here, Chief Dearduff spoke about his confidence in the current leadership as operations shift focus from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation Enduring Freedom as ground forces in Iraq begin to draw down.

"I believe strongly in the direction our Central Command leadership has for the armed forces in OIF and OEF."

Airmen in the 380th AEW play a critical role in support of in-theater operations as the wing assets provide live feedback to ground forces through its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities as well as refueling active combat aircraft that provide direct support to troops on the ground.

"Every Airman, Soldier and sailor at the 380th matters," said Brig. Gen. H.D. Polumbo Jr., 380th AEW Commander. "Our operations since the beginning of OEF and OIF have saved countless lives and as the mission shifts, will save countless more."

Chief Dearduff was able to see the results of various mission expansions since his last visit, including the addition of the Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance program and the Army's 5th Battalion 52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion.

"From what I've seen during my stop here, the 380th AEW exemplifies the joint mission and clearly takes 'One Team...One Fight' to heart."