McConnell Reservists deploy

Col. Mark S. Larson, commander of the 931st Air Refueling Group, addresses deploying members of the 931st as they wait to board aircraft at the passenger terminal at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Members of the 931st have deployed to Southwest Asia in support of ongoing U.S. operations overseas. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Zach Anderson)

McConnell Reservists deploy to Southwest Asia

Published Sept. 5, 2012
By 1st Lt. Zach Anderson
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Air Force Reservists assigned to the 931st Air Refueling Group here have deployed to Southwest Asia as part of an Air Expeditionary Force in support of ongoing U.S. operations overseas.

While deployed, aircrews, maintainers and support staff from the 931st will be assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron under the 385th Air Expeditionary Group in the theater of operations. The 90th EARS is a total-force team consisting active-duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard Airmen.

The squadron's primary duty is to fly refueling missions supporting C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft coming in and out of the area of operations. The air refueling mission acts as a "force multiplier" by allowing the cargo aircraft to land and offload at locations down range without having to land for refueling.

"This deployment is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of our Reservists," said Col. Mark S. Larson, commander of the 931st Air Refueling Group. "Each of them is making a personal sacrifice to leave home to serve our country. Many of our members have deployed to this area before and are very familiar with the mission demands there. Our Citizen Airmen possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve to benefit the mission and the interests of the United States and our allies. I know they will perform exceptionally well in accomplishing their mission, and I look forward to their safe return home."