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380AEW Article

Information motivates in AOR

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson
  • 380th AEW Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Over 400 Airmen gathered for the first of four briefings hosted by the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's leadership to hear first-hand of their contributions to the operations they support.

The 380th AEW Commander, Brig. Gen. H.D. Polumbo, Jr., was accompanied by the command chief and operations group commander at the Warfighter Briefing in the Phantom Center here Dec. 10.

"This briefing is designed to let you know how important your job is in the three different Areas of Operations we support," General Polumbo said as he addressed the crowd.

The warfighter briefing is held toward the end of each rotation, providing a summary of highlights from the deployment period. Top leaders of the base capitalize on the opportunity to have face-to-face time with each member of the wing. Briefings for the current rotation will be repeated four times, over three days, to ensure the mission is not impacted and each person has an opportunity to hear the key messages delivered personally by their commander.

"The information you receive here today is to help you understand the significance of what you do - and what you will continue to do. It's an honor for me and 380th AEW Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Kent Smith, to talk to you and show you a little of how the wing's role takes shape in U.S. Air Forces Central," the commander explained.

Col. Kyle Garland, the 380th Expeditionary Operations Group commander, joined General Polumbo and Chief Smith before the audience to share operational imagery and personal testimony regarding operations the wing impacted in the Area of Responsibility.

"We are a force provider for the Air Component. We get Air Tasking Orders every day from AFCENT and we fulfill them through air-to-air refueling; high-altitude Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; and air-battle management," Colonel Garland said.

The 380th AEW supports Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as Joint Task Force Horn of Africa via four different airframes and platforms. The wing, although one of the smallest in the AOR, maintains and operates KC-10 Extenders and E-3 Sentries. It also supports high-altitude ISR with the U-2 Dragonlady and the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

"This is a very specialized wing enabling specialized efforts," Colonel Garland continued.

The operations commander shared specific instances where the 380th warfighters distinctly and efficiently impacted the mission. He supported his testimony with videos and photos depicting scenes in which convoys were able to thwart attack by being rerouted and explained how close-air support saved coalition efforts to provide life-changing provisions to outlying areas.

"We directly impact the mission in everything we do," General Polumbo said. "Continue to press forward; you have to finish strong and sprint to the finish line."

Before offering the floor to questions, the leaders summated the briefing by thanking the deployed members and asking them to maintain their battle rhythm until they depart.

"The tasking order moves 365 days a year, so stay focused on your job, don't let your guard down and be vigilant," the wing commander encouraged the Airmen. "Finish right and reintegrate smartly. You're all so important and your contributions are counted on every day."

The final message, brought to the fore by Chief Smith, included a reminder to look out for one another over the holiday season and for the duration of the deployment.

"Find a wingman, take care of each other and take care of your families back home, too," Chief Smith said. "Remember to stay in touch with them and stay close to your wingman. We're very proud of you all."