Dover reservists deploy to Iraq

Staff Sgts. Manuel Ortez and Joseph Wysocki from the 512th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del., oversee the placement of equipment on an Iraqi air force fire truck with their Iraqi counterparts. Eight firefighters from the Air Force Reserve Command wing deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, Jan. 3, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Air Force Reserve firefighters from Dover deploy to Iraq

Published Jan. 30, 2009
By Senior Airman AndriaJ. Allmond
512th Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Eight reservists from 512th Airlift Wing deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, in January.

While assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, the 512th AW "Liberty Wing" Airmen will provide base operations, such as crash rescue, medical response and response to structure and brush fires.

"Our mission is to come together as one group of firefighters from five different Air Force bases and form one cohesive troupe," said Master Sgt. John Whye, Station No. 2 station captain. "Our job is to protect, serve and support all operations and personnel at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, including Army personnel."

Sending firefighters to the Area of Responsibility is not new to the 512th Civil Engineer Squadron.

"At least one time a year we send out a team of six or more reservists to deploy," said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Cullen, 512th CES deputy fire chief. "I told this group what I tell the others - keep your eyes open, heads down and listen to what you're told to do." (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)