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Air Force reservists answer call for help in Japan and over Libya

  • Published
  • By Col. Bob Thompson
  • Air Force Reserve Public Affairs
WASHINGTON --  Conducting operations in an international spotlight, 27 Air Force reservists have volunteered and been sent to support humanitarian efforts in Japan as well as combat operations in the skies over Libya.

The reservists are from various units across the United States including Travis Air Force, March Air Reserve Base and Beale AFB in California; McConnell AFB, Kan.; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.; Robins AFB, Ga.; Tinker AFB, Okla.; and Denver.

"So far, none of the Air Force Reserve requirements have required presidential mobilization and all have been filled with volunteers," said Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., chief of Air Force Reserve at the Pentagon and commander of Air Force Reserve Command at Robins AFB.

Most of the volunteers fly or maintain KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft. The deployed Airmen also include mortuary affairs technicians, civil engineers, aerial porters, communications experts, public affairs and combat camera imagery specialists.

Known as "Citizen Airmen," Air Force reservists are represented in every Air Force job specialty and mission around the globe.

"To make the Air Force mission a success, reservists go above and beyond the commitments of civilian life," said General Stenner. "Citizen Airmen balance the demands of their military service with those of their families and civilian employers. We couldn't do this without their support so our families and civilian employers are as much a part of the fabric of our national defense as the reservists themselves."

Besides the ongoing operations in Japan and Libya, nearly 4,000 Air Force reservists are deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Horn of Africa and other military operations around the world.

"Operation Tomodachi" is the name of U.S. military's humanitarian support activities in Japan after the island was hit by a devastating earthquake and a tsunami, a wall of water caused by an underwater landslide, on March 11.

After the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1973 authorizing "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya on March 17, the United States joined a coalition of 13 allied nations. Called "Operation Odyssey Dawn," the coalition forces are striking targets that pose a direct threat to the civilian population and have established a no-fly zone over Libya since March 18.

"Reserve manning is seen as a cost-effective solution in today's fiscally constrained environment," said General Stenner. "Reservists are called to active duty when the nation needs them. Afterward, they return to their civilian lives and a non-pay status from the government when they are off duty. This not only saves money on pay, but cuts down all related personnel expenses, benefit costs and infrastructure while retaining highly-skilled professionals who are ready whenever needed."