JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Upon assuming duties at the 17th Airlift Squadron, I was informed we would be deploying to Southwest Asia. I had been deployed twice previously, but it was to stateside Army bases supporting Air Force personnel attending combat skills training, so I thought I knew what to expect. This deployment proved to be a very enjoyable experience.
The deployment process started off by getting all the required training, shots and equipment needed for the deployment. I don't like needles, but the shots were necessary to protect me during my time in the area of responsibility. Our mobility section took care of ensuring that we had everything up-to-date and ready. Their system made for a smooth and seamless process getting the proper equipment and supplies to make it through the deployment. Once we had all our bags packed, it was time to take time for those who were to be left behind, the family. We ensured that our families were squared away and prepared for our absence. Mini vacations were taken, honey-do-lists got taken care of and just a little quiet time was taken to gear up for the time away.
Before we knew it, it was time to get on the plane and head over to our home for the next 120 days. It was an adventure in the sky for the advanced team. We had our sleeping bags, laptops to view movies and our wonderful boxed lunches. Thanks to all the support personnel who made the trip as comfortable as possible. We landed in Germany for a brief moment then were off again, getting that much closer to the AOR.
Now, we are here, there or better known as an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. It was hot, past hot! It was time to settle in our dorm rooms, trailers to be exact, and get started with the mission.
We hit the ground running and time started counting down until we could return home. The base offered much to do to help pass the time including tours, school and sporting events. Many distinguished visitors came out to thank us for the outstanding job everyone was doing and there was entertainment of all sorts sponsored by the force support squadron. We made an effort to eat meals together most of the time and had several cookouts to spend quality time with each other due to the hectic flying schedule.
Finally, it's time to head home. We coordinated with our replacements, worked with our home station unit deployment manager on transportation, prepared a redeployment checklist and started packing. We boarded the plane and headed home to Charleston. We arrived at the base to a great crowd of loved ones, leadership and support personnel to get us in-processed, so we could start some much needed time off. It was a wonderful feeling being home. We went, completed our mission as quiet professionals and made it home safely. A job well done!