Return from deployment: part 3 of a series

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Ellsworth welcomed home approximately 300 aircrew, maintainers, munitions specialists and other expeditionary combat support Airmen, Feb. 8, from a forward operating location in Southwest Asia.

After a more than 20-hour flight, their chartered passenger aircraft touched down on a snowy airfield at Ellsworth and the desert clad Airmen made their way to the deployment center to reunite with family and friends.

As they departed the aircraft, they were met by and shook hands with the wing commander and Ellsworth's command chief.

The Airmen deployed in September 2006 for about five months and left some historical milestones in their wake.

"History was literally made during this deployment," said Col. Jeffry Smith, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "Our folks eliminated Taliban and al-Qaeda forces in both Afghanistan and Iraq on the very same day."

Putting precision ordnance on top of the enemy wasn't the only piece of history Ellsworth left in the area of operations.

"Ellsworth Airmen participated in the largest air strike since 2003," Colonel Smith said. "They were also part of the most lethal close air support strike since Vietnam."

Maj. Sloan Hollis, 37th Bomb Squadron instructor pilot, shared his thoughts concerning the amount of raw combat airpower used in this deployment.

"We dropped a lot of bombs this time," he said. "But, that's what we're here for."
Major Hollis said his job was actually easier than the task his wife, Amber, faced while he was away.

"She had the harder part (of the deployment) - taking care of these three," he said, smiling as he held his children.

While B-1s delivered the munitions, aircraft were actually just a small part of a bigger operation.

Chief Master Sgt. John Gillette, 28th BW command chief master sergeant, said he's very aware of the challenges enlisted maintainers face in keeping the B-1 ready to take the fight to the enemy.

"I'm a B-1 maintainer myself," Chief Gillette said. "I know how difficult this aircraft can be to maintain."

The chief said while the troops were deployed, he would occasionally attend the daily production meeting here and was amazed at the mission capable rate Ellsworth's maintainers achieved in the forward operating location.

"I know high performance like that doesn't just happen by accident," said Chief Gillette. "It happens because of the dedication, professionalism and leadership of those maintainers on the ground."

Ellsworth's senior enlisted leader also pointed out there's a large contingent of other support that keeps the B-1 in the fight.

"Our Airmen that work in intelligence, air traffic control, life support and a myriad of other duties worked hard every day to prepare aircrews for their mission," the chief said. "It was definitely a team effort."

The impression Ellsworth's B-1s and Airmen here left on allied forces in the area of operations will not soon be forgotten.

Air Commodore Kym Osley, a member of the Royal Australian Air Force who served as the combined air operations center director in the area of operations said, "Operations in Afghanistan would not be possible without the B-1."

Commodore Osley said this was due to the Lancer's ability to respond quickly anywhere in country with an enormous payload of accurate weapons in all weather conditions.

The deputy combined air operations center director, Col. Gary Crowder, agreed with the commodore's assessment and compared the B-1 to a "roving linebacker" over Afghanistan.

As the deployers were welcomed home and congratulated on their many accomplishments during their rotation to Southwest Asia, Ellsworth's leadership reminds everyone the global war on terrorism continues.

"I'm glad to welcome our Airmen home," said Colonel Smith. "But, it's important we don't forget we have Ellsworth Airmen still down range doing America's business. I know they're performing well and I wish them every success.

"I'm so unbelievably proud, both personally and professionally, of all our Airmen who continue to support this Nation in this Global War on Terror," Colonel Smith said.
Chief Gillette echoed Col. Smith's comments and said he's happy some Airmen have returned home but points out there are still many more overseas filling war time tasks.
The command chief tells of this commitment shouldered by America's all volunteer Air Force every chance he gets.

"When I have an opportunity to speak with our community leaders and local population, I tell them about the mission our Airmen are doing around the world," Chief Gillette said.

"Many people have no idea how much the Air Force and Ellsworth is contributing to the war effort.

"When I tell them most Airmen are 18 to 20-year-old great Americans, they're even more surprised," he added.

The deployed forces were assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. More information can be found on the 379th AEW by visiting http://www.379aew.afnews.af.mil/.