News>386th AEW members fly first airdrop missions in Afghanistan
Photos
Airmen and Soldiers help load container delivery system bundles into the back of a C-130 Hercules recently at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. A crew from the wing's 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew an airdrop mission in Afghanistan and dropped more than 22,000 pounds of supplies to ground troops Nov. 21, 2010, validating the wing's ability to perform airdrop missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Ken Gjone)
An aerial view of Afghanistan can be seen from the cockpit of a C-130 Hercules assigned to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing during the wing's first airdrop mission in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Ken Gjone)
Supplies are dropped to ground forces in Afghanistan from the back of a C-130 Hercules Nov. 21, 2010, during a mission performed by the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. The event validated the unit's ability to perform airdrop missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Ken Gjone)
by Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
12/16/2010 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- From providing humanitarian assistance in Pakistan to moving more than a half-million passengers throughout U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility this year, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing members can now add another accomplishment to their list -- performing airdrop missions in support of coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.
For the first time since the wing was activated, more than 10 years ago, aircrews from the wing's 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew over the mountains of Afghanistan and dropped more than 46,000 pounds of cargo from C-130 Hercules Nov. 21 and 24, validating the unit's ability to perform airdrop missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Prior to these missions, the wing's airlift support to Afghanistan had been limited to air-land sorties, in which cargo is offloaded after aircraft land at an airfield.
"We have never performed an airdrop mission in Afghanistan from this wing before, so there was definitely a lot of excitement," said Lt. Col. Ken Gjone, a 737th EAS operations officer. "By accomplishing this task, we validated a concept that increases the airdrop capability throughout the entire theater."
U.S. forces serving on the front lines often receive supplies via ground transport, but rough terrain and a high number of roadside bombs along supply routes make airdropping a safer option, he said.
The wing's newly demonstrated airdrop capability will enhance the war-fighting effort while also providing aircrews with a heightened sense of accomplishment because of the difficult nature of the task, said Tech. Sgt. Mike Deeds, a 737th EAS loadmaster.
"At home station, airdrop is second nature," Sergeant Deeds said. "We train day in and day out for air-drop missions. But we had to sort of reformat the brain to perform a different task here because of the focus on airland missions. I think once we received word about the airdrop mission, everyone was feeling the good stress of having to do this again."
Comments
12/20/2010 8:53:19 AM ET @Prior Load DM That blister is a missile defense system.
Monty, Dyess AFB
12/17/2010 5:13:48 PM ET I don't think the goal of this story had anything to do with forgetting the accomplishments of those that have already made it back home. The goal was to get the word out that the 737th got an airdrop in OEF something that normally goes to other people stationed at other bases.
NA, Stateside
12/17/2010 5:03:04 PM ET What is that 'blister' aft of the paratroop doors
Prior Load, DM
12/17/2010 10:05:01 AM ET The 386th AEW has done airdrops before this mission. Our crews did them in 2008 in Afghanistan. I'm sure the AEW just didn't have the data to keep the 737th informed. I know the folks who made the quote and there's no showboating involved.
Desert Fox, US and A
12/17/2010 5:09:58 AM ET c-130 load I can see where the article can lead to some confusion. I don't believe they are taking credit for first air drop in Afghanistan but stating that this their Unit's first air drop in Afghanistan. A quick Google search shows a wikipedia entry that says they are located in Kuwait. Since I don't believe they fly over Iran this is quite a trip to perform an airdrop in Afghanstan. Congratulations 386th
BLA, LRAFB
12/17/2010 1:46:04 AM ET I think this is referring to the first airdrops over AFG by folks from the 386th AEW based elsewhere in the AOR and not necessarily the first airdrops over the last 9 years ... that would be ridiculous.
Bryan, Japan
12/16/2010 9:09:08 PM ET Not to take anything away from the accomplishments of the outstanding work the crews/mx hacking the mission do everyday, but I seem to remember doing airdrop earlier this year while based at Bagram. Maybe I missed something, but we shouldn't be forgetting the accomplishments of those who've already re-deployed home. Good job nevertheless
