Dyess Air Force Base, Texas -- More than 100 Airmen from the 40th Airlift Squadron and 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron deployed to Afghanistan from Dyess Air Force Base, Sept. 6, 2018.
For some of the Airmen, this will be their first time deploying into an overseas location. For others, they will be able to count on their past experiences while deployed to ensure mission success while educating the newly deployed Airmen on how home station training relates to real-world missions downrange.
“Providing airlift support within the theater plays an important role because it reduces the amount of convoys on the road and lessens the amount of exposure on the ground,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Carco, 40th AS superintendent. “We have gone through great lengths within our group to provide our members an adequate training in preparation for deployments like this.”
During the deployment, the Airmen will provide intratheater airlift through the avenues of airdrop operations and tactical airlift for U.S. Air Forces Central Command within Afghanistan.
In preparation for the deployment, the 317th Operations Group generated training sorties similar to the missions they will complete in their current theater.
“My biggest hope is that since we have several young Airmen on this deployment, they will gain a lot of experience that will be imperative for operating in an environment that will strengthen them in their career fields, and also prepare them for future operations,” Carco said.
As Airmen departed for their deployment, some have left behind their families as they temporarily serve in a new location. Although they may be thousands of miles away, family and friends give tremendous support to the deployed member’s families.
“This is my husband’s first deployment, and even though our daughters and I miss him, we have friends to rely on for support,” said Jenny Cebelak, spouse of Tech. Sgt. Christopher Cebelak, 317th AMXS. “My advice for others who have spouses deployed or going to deploy is to stay strong, prepare as much as possible prior to their departure and don’t forget to send care packages.”