CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
More than a 130 Airmen from the 15th Airlift Squadron at Charleston AFB, S.C. returned from their 120-day deployment in Southwest Asia Jan. 3.
While deployed, the Airmen of the 15 AS served under the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and supported Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and operations in the Horn of Africa.
"It's great to have them back," said Col. John "Red" Millander, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "As with the previous two deployments ... the 15 AS broke every record in the book."
While deployed, the 15 AS flew more than 3,000 sorties, logged more than 5,400 combat flying hours and airlifted more than 130 million pounds of cargo and 79,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and distinguished visitors throughout Southwest Asia.
The squadron also executed 80 airdrop missions, performed 121 airdrops; dropping more than 2,600 bundles and more than 3 million pounds of supplies ranging from water and food to construction equipment into remote regions of Afghanistan.
"To put it into perspective, the 816 EAS airdropped more equipment to combat zones in four months than all C-17 airdrops of 2006 and 2007 combined," said Lt. Col. John Lamontagne, 15 AS commander. "Because of all the 816 EAS Airmen did during our time away from home, they have highlighted the professionalism of our organization, and I just want to thank them for what they did and what they continue to do."
Though the Airmen from the 15 AS met and exceeded their mission requirements, for one particular Airman a call on Dec. 25 made his deployment memorable.
"The highpoint of my deployment was talking with [President George Bush]," said Senior Airman Dan Gutowski, 15 AS loadmaster.
He said the President guided the conversation, but asked how the mission was going and how morale was among the Airmen. Airman Gutowski said the conversation concluded with the President thanking him and asking him to say 'thanks' to his fellow Airmen on his behalf.
Airman Gutowski was one of nine service members across the Department of Defense who received a phone call from the President on Christmas Day.
Along with the homecoming of the 15 AS, another loadmaster was presented with a Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion to technical sergeant.
"I feel good that I was able to stand up and get those stripes for all of my supervisors, co-workers, commanders and mentors who afforded me the opportunity to succeed," said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Watson, 15 AS loadmaster.
Sergeant Watson was recognized for a list of accomplishments spanning his career, which included being recognized as the Air and Education Training Command Outstanding Aircrew Member in 2003, and being one of a few senior airmen that took part in the Brazier Airdrop over Northern Iraq in March 2003, which was an air drop of the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade stationed out of Aviano AB, Italy.
But while Airmen were reveling in their accomplishment from both their deployed locations and here, it was the anticipation and excitement of Airmen and their loved ones of being reunited that made the day special.
One wife of a loadmaster said she was anxious about her husband's return, Brandi Braunwarth, wife of Airman 1st Class Joe Braunwarth, 15 AS, said she was excited to have him home.
While holding their son, Weston, Airman Braunwarth summed up the feeling of the moment.
"It feels great to be home."
(Ms. Trisha Gallaway, 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs contributed to this story)