317th AG surpasses 3,000 consecutive days deployed

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Hicks
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 317th Airlift Group has performed combat, as well as, humanitarian missions for 3,000 consecutive days, not only at home, but around the world.

Since Dec. 20, 2003, missions have included passenger and cargo lift, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, medical air evacuation and psychological warfare with 317th AG dropping more than 20 million combat leaflets.

In addition, the airlift group has answered the call for humanitarian aid helping hurricane victims from Katrina to Ike and Pakistan relief.

"Answering the nations call comes with a lot of work. Our Airmen have put in blood, sweat and tears, not only during the 3,000 days of deployment, but here at home station as well," said Maj. Jason Anderson, 317th Airlift Group. "This is one of those milestones you look back on and you're not celebrating, it's more like wow it's been a lot of sacrificing and dedication to be away from spouses and family."

During the nine-year span, the airlift group has deployed with three different aircraft, C-130 E, H, and J-models.

"With the H-model aircraft, there were a lot of restrictions. We had to calculate numerous amounts of data and weight when we flew in other countries due to the altitude and mountains," said Master Sgt. Matthew Rossi, 39th Airlift Squadron loadmaster superintendent. "The J-Model increases our capabilities with its efficiency and powerful engines."

The C-130 flys humanitarian missions throughout the world, bringing in food, clothing, shelter, doctors, nurses and medical supplies and moving victims to safety. C-130s have also served other nations, airlifting heavy equipment into remote areas to build airports and roads.

"It's pretty rewarding being able to deliver the supplies people need in a humanitarian crisis or a contingency operation," said Lt. Col. James Bruner, 40th Airlift Squadron commander. "The C-130 has the ability to haul a lot of valuables, whether its food and water, medical teams or helping evacuees."

While C-130s primarily perform the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is also capable of operating from rough, dirt strips, and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

Compared to older C-130s, the C-130J climbs faster and higher, flies farther at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance.

"The airdrop capabilities, such as Joint Precision Airdrop System and Low Cost Low Altitude are things that really improved over the years," Anderson said. "Before, you could think of us as troop carriers, dropping off soldiers and supplies at forward operating bases. Now with the newer C-130 J-model, we are able to make airdrops from 300-18,000 feet in the air."

"The community surrounding the base supports us tremendously; they do a lot for spouses and children before, during and after deployments. The local community and the 7th Bomb Wing have a great relationship with the 317th AG because they respect what we do and we respect what they do for us," Rossi said.