Dyess Airmen deploy to Qatar in support of OEF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  More than 350 Dyess personnel have deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Aircrews, maintenance and support personnel from the 9th Bomb Squadron and the 7th Maintenance Group deploy to Al Udeid AB on a rotational basis, generating B-1B aircraft and providing dominant combat airpower and combat support for U.S. and coalition forces in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

On its previous deployment, the 9th BS executed more than 540 combat missions in support of coalition and Afghan ground forces during OEF. During the six-month deployment, the squadron achieved a number of firsts, including the first-ever B-1 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition strike against a moving motorcycle, and the combat debut of the B-1's Sniper-Sensor Enhancement targeting pod.

The 7th MXG had more than 150 Airmen facilitate the success of these missions, as well as 6,600 flying hours and sustainment of a 98 percent combat coverage rate. The group also developed a new Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile weapons load configuration, bolstering B-1 versatility.

"We're essentially executing the same mission as the previous deployment," said a Capt. from the 9th Bomb Squadron. "We support the ground troops when they carry out their movements. Our job is to be an eye in the sky."

Employing the mission abroad puts the training and experience utilized on home station to the test.

"Repairing aircraft at Dyess so aircrews can get qualified for deployments is rewarding," said Staff Sgt. Ohyuk Kwon, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron defense avionics journeyman. "However, being able to perform my duties in a deployed location has a heightened sense of accomplishment. It's about knowing you are a part of a bigger picture."

Some Airmen are deploying for the first time.

"I volunteered to be a part of this deployment, and I'm excited about the opportunity," said Airman 1st Class Matthew Grant, 7th Munitions armament apprentice. "I've never been out of the U.S. before, so I'm looking forward to serving my country overseas."

Other Airmen are deploying for the second time in less than a year.

"It felt like just yesterday was when I packed away my flight suits and deployment items," a Capt. from the 9th Bomb Squadron said. "It's a little overwhelming going on my second deployment in a year, but it's what we signed up for. I've gained a lot experience and knowledge from my previous one, which I intend to pass on to other Airmen."