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Dover reservists mobilized to support Afghanistan troop build-up

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Approximately 300 Air Force Reserve flight crew members, maintenance technicians, aerial porters and support personnel were called to active duty April 5 to support the Afghanistan troop build-up this spring.

The 512th Airlift Wing reservists will be activated for about six months to provide airlift support for Operation Enduring Freedom for the movement of 30,000 additional American troops, a plan President Barack Obama announced in December.

"As reservists, we train like we fight; so, when our nation calls upon us, we are ready to execute the mission, fulfill worldwide air mobility requirements and ensure the safety of our nation and its citizens," said Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th AW commander. The Reserve unit has more than 1,700 personnel. Also known as the Liberty Wing, the unit flies and maintains the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which transport military assets and supplies to U.S. fighting forces around the globe.

While not yet determined, some of the activated reservists will deploy to Southwest Asia, however, the majority will be stationed at Dover AFB to support the movement of armored vehicles, helicopters and other support equipment to Afghanistan.

Maj. Jeff Snyder, a 326th Airlift Squadron pilot, is one of the activated wing members who volunteered for this assignment.

"I wanted to be here, and I'm proud to be able to contribute to the war effort by supporting our fellow service members who are in theater," said the major who has served in the AF Reserve for 17 years.

Even though the six-month activation poses some challenges for his employer and family, the pilot said he's fortunate to have their support.

"My employer is very supportive of the military as many of the employees have a military background, so I've never had any problems," said Major Snyder, who works as a commercial pilot for a major U.S. airline based in Washington D.C.

"And, anytime you are away from home and your family, it can be difficult," said the pilot, who has a wife and six-year-old son in Maryland. "My family would prefer I'd be at home; but, they understand this is the nature of the business, and they support me 100 percent."