Ellsworth Airmen deploy to Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca R. Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Approximately 350 Airmen bid farewell to their families, friends and co-workers Jan. 17, as they prepared to deploy to Southwest Asia to support missions in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Aircrews, maintenance and support personnel from Ellsworth will execute B-1 bomber missions designed to provide multi-role airpower in support of U.S. and coalition forces.

"This is a routine mission for our base that we have been doing for several years," said Lt. Col. Seth Graham, 34th Bomb Squadron commander. "No matter how many times we ask our Airmen to deploy, they don't get complacent. When you get out there and realize it's real and that there are lives at stake, it's easy to stay focused and get the job done."

Between January 2011 and January 2012, Ellsworth B-1 aircrews from the 37th Bomb Squadron and 34th BS tallied an impressive 99.83 percent mission effectiveness rate, filling more than 3,000 Joint Tactical Air Requests while responding to 432 "Troops in Contact" situations and destroying 321 targets. The members deploying Jan. 17 remain steadfast in their resolve to continue this remarkable level of performance.

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Thompson, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron B-1 bomber expediter, explained that Ellsworth's involvement in Southwest Asia has evolved since he originally deployed to the same theater in 2003, adding that technological advancements have played a big role.

"I've gone through several deployments," Thompson said. "I know what to expect each time I leave -- I know the process, how to prepare and how to deal with various stressors that come with deployments. I'm mostly looking forward to getting out there and doing my part to get the mission accomplished."

Just as this deployment is one of many for some Airmen, it is the first for others like Airman 1st Class Nathan Reynolds, 28th AMXS weapons technician.

"It has been a busy process leading up to this deployment," Reynolds said. "I have been getting everything packed and mentally preparing myself for a long and stressful tour. Luckily, my family and friends have been a huge help along the way."

Ellsworth deployers will be taking the baton from the 9th Bomb Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, who have been in the AOR since the summer of 2013.

"I am extremely proud of our Airmen - they are well trained and ready for this deployment," said Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "I have no doubt they will write another chapter in our wing's long history of excellence in combat."