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ROCK SOLID WARRIOR

  • Published
  • 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airman 1st Class Christopher Walker 

C-130 Hercules loadmaster

Home unit/base: 39th Airlift Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas

How do you support the mission here? As a loadmaster, myself and the other loadmasters are the "tip of the spear" at this deployed location. We are in charge of delivering the beans, bullets, Soldiers and Marines to forward deployed areas ensuring the timely delivery of war assets and bringing the fight to the enemy.

How many times have you deployed and what makes this one unique? This is my first deployment.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? The operational tempo here versus home is highly increased, as well as the mission profile. At home the lines we fly are for training, but here every line we fly has a direct impact on the other service branches depending on us to deliver.