Wing members support USAFE mission at RAF Mildenhall

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
In full total force fashion, thirty-one members of the 459th Air Refueling Wing spent their annual tour here April 11 in support of U.S. Air Forces in Europe missions. The unit returned to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., April 27.

While most members hailed from the 459th Logistics Readiness Flight, members of the 459th Communications Flight, 459th Mission Support Group and the 69th Aerial Port Squadron participated in the rural area mission, about 80 miles outside of London.

The Air Force Reserve Command units supported the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall's current host wing and the only permanent U.S. wing of its kind in the European theater. Activated here on Feb. 1, 1992, the wing provides the critical air refueling "bridge" that allows the Expeditionary Air Force to strike first and fast around the globe.

"I'm extremely proud of how our people were able to arrive and hit the ground running to support various organizations here," said Lt. Col. Janet Hagadorn II, 459th Logistics Readiness Flight commander. "It's ground-breaking to keep the integrity of a mission by sending the entire unit in the same time frame."

There are six more temporary duties to RAF Mildenhall scheduled through January 2009. Colonel Hagadorn added that the unit received training and set up logistics programs and practices to be used by not only the host units, but future transient Reserve units. The colonel added that the 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., is on tap to go to RAF Mildenhall in June.

Senior Master Sgt. Brian Miller, 459th LRF logistics plans non-commissioned officer in charge provided an overview of the mission.

"It'll be a really busy couple of weeks, since we're simultaneously exchanging best-practices ideas in about four sections -- supply, log planners, aerial port and the deployment control center," Sergeant Miller said.

The deployment control center is where the rubber meets the road for unit deployment managers who send members downrange. A room filled with charts, computers, clocks of various time zones and giant screens indicates the amount of real-time information that must be processed during a shift. Mobility folders are filled with requirements -- ranging from wills, to firearms competency to immunizations - that each deployer must absolutely complete before departure.

"Our job here is to get the right person to the right place at the right time," said Tech. Sgt. Marisol Salgado, 459th LRF logistics planner.

Sergeant Salgado said the ability to update training records online can save critical minutes in getting a member that much closer to deployment.

"We've seen how online systems such as the online training program allow us to review and update records in a few seconds -- this is crucial in minimizing delays and getting the mobility folder and the member ready to go," said Staff Sgt. Jack Kelling, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron plans and programs NCOIC.

The electronic age has not only facilitated the swift movement of people, but equipment and cargo into combat zones. Tech. Sgts. Trinette Price and Kim Freeman, 459th LRF supply systems analysts, worked painstakingly alongside 100th LRS members Aurora Moore and Staff Sgt. Corey Champion in a 24-hour operation customer service shop. There, they tackled a number of tanker supply issues via phone and computer. Whether issuing and ordering parts or determining deployable assets through detailed coding, the shop is the base focal point for equipment management. Although most of the office works normal hours, all members seem to realize the mission never sleeps.

"It's really tough around the holidays; actually tough is an understatement," said Sergeant Champion. "But it's what we do -- we make it happen whatever the hours or the manning situation may be."

Wing members also provided needed support to the communications squadron and vehicle maintenance. At vehicle maintenance, some found that elbow grease, over keystrokes was needed to get the job done.

Master Sgt. Steve Bedell, 459th LRS special purpose vehicle maintenance craftsman, spent time repairing the hydraulic and electrical system of a dinosaur-size "60K" loader, aptly named for its ability to hold and load up to 60,000 pounds of cargo. Meanwhile, new cross-trainee Staff Sgt. Nanerico Santos, 459th LRF mechanic, observed and absorbed so that he could quickly hone his skills in the unique training environment.

The overseas environment was unique and the tasks diverse, but 2nd Lt. Kathy Richey, 69th Aerial Port Squadron Logistics Readiness Officer, said the objective is singular.

"The main thing we want to get across is that Reservists have the same dedication as active duty," Lieutenant Richey said. "We want to be able to deploy, be hands-on and adhere to the Airman's Creed just like our active duty counterparts."

The lieutenant said she personally benefited from the training she received at the 727th Air Mobility Support Squadron, which provides strategic air support for Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

"This (temporary duty) has been a chance for us to shine," the lieutenant said. "Not only do we get to pay attention to detail by keeping our uniforms sharp, but we also get to be part of the bigger picture by helping support the Global War on Terror."