150 Pope reservists deploy to support Operations New Dawn, Enduring Freedom

Published May 17, 2011
440th Airlift Wing

POPE FIELD, N.C. -- Pope Field's 440th Airlift Wing's Operations and Maintenance Groups, successfully deployed more than 150 personnel last week to various parts of the Middle East and African in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

The Airmen, once in theater, will team up with air crews from other bases to help sustain the multi-mission role of the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

The opportunity to support the expeditionary mission and provide combat air power to the Unified Combatant Command allows units to come together as a team and gain valuable experience.

At the deployment briefing, when asked, about one fifth of the deploying Airmen raised their hands to say this would be their first time deploying.

"Supporting the fight is what it is all about," said Col. John Stokes, vice commander for the 440 Airlift Wing. "Due to the harsh terrain and high-paced mission tempo the experience gained while deployed cannot be taught at home station."

"For many first-time deployers, going to the A-O-R will provide them with the most important skill they can possess," explained Colonel Stokes. "They learn to bond with one another and work as a team."

With the excitement and anticipation that goes along with a deployment, personnel are required to complete a series of briefings and deployment processing line. Experienced unit members understand the process comes with the territory and welcome it.

"I am really excited about this mission," said Maj. Jerry Pinamonti, a pilot with the 95th AS who recently transferred to the unit from active duty. "Flying different types of missions on a day-to-day basis is interesting, and helps to develop our skills."

For first-time deployers the process is daunting for some and exhilarating for others.

"I am looking forward to finishing the pre-deployment process," said Airman 1st Class Harold Blake of the 440th Maintenance Squadron. "It's a lot busier than I thought."

Senior Airmen Joel Caesar and Sean Archer, 440th AW Maintenance Squadron, simultaneously made their feelings clear.

"We are excited, motivated and ready to do what we trained for!"

The mission commander for this deployment echoed their sentiments.

"With the relocation to Pope Field, Base Realignment and Closure and the Operational Readiness Inspection behind us, it will be great to concentrate on what we do best...fly," said Lt. Col. John Gorse, 440 AW Operations Group deputy commander.