39th Airlift Squadron returns from deployment to Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Miller
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Aircrew members assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron returned to Dyess, May 17, on C-130J Super Hercules’ after a deployment to Afghanistan.
While deployed, the aircrew accomplished multiple missions to support their area of responsibility in Afghanistan.

“We fly the C-130J Super Hercules in support of U.S. Special Operations conventional missions in Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Mark Yarian, 39th AS commander. “In this particular deployment, we flew more than 250 combat sorties, logged more than 12,00 flight hours, moved over 8.5 million pounds of cargo and transported 15,000 passengers throughout the AOR.”

Aircrew stationed at Dyess are on a rotational-deployment schedule. During this deployment, the 39th AS provided combat-delivery capabilities through tactical airlift and airdrop operations primarily in the region of Northern Afghanistan.

“It’s extremely exciting to have our Airmen home,” said Yarian. “We’ve had a piece of us, not necessarily missing, but certainly executing in a different area and we cannot wait for them to return to the 39th.”

Anticipation and eagerness was evident as spouses, significant others, children and family members waited for the return of their Airmen.

"I can't even put it into words,” said Kristina Mahler, whose boyfriend had been deployed with the 39th AS. “I'm so nervous, I can hardly breathe.”
When the aircrafts landed, family members rushed onto the flightline to exchange hugs, kisses, tears and smiles.

After four long months, members of the 39th AS were finally reunited with their loved ones.