Ellsworth Airmen deploy to Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Steven J. Merrill
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Amid a mix of excitement, anticipation and sweltering temps topping 100 degrees, about 300 Ellsworth Airmen stepped aboard a Boeing 777 July 18 that would take them to Southwest Asia to support missions in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

During their deployment, aircrews from Ellsworth will provide critical air presence, precision strike, and surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to support military objectives in the region. Airmen in a variety of non-aviation roles will perform a wide range of sortie generation and mission assurance duties.

"This is what we train to do, day-in, day-out," said Lt. Col. Brian Farmer, 34th Bomb Squadron director of operations and troop commander for the deploying force. "We'll be taking the baton from our Ellsworth teammates who deployed earlier this year, and continue providing long-range, precision strike capability for theater commanders that only the B-1 can offer."

Providing air superiority around the clock for combatant commanders downrange has become routine for Ellsworth Airmen. The missions include everything from shows of force to precision strikes.

"The mission over there is evolving, and we do a lot of specific training to prepare for the types of things we may encounter," Farmer said.

Whether this is the first deployment or one of several, Farmer added that the support their families receive from the base and community make it easier for Airmen to concentrate on their mission.

"One of the hardest aspects is saying goodbye," said Master Sgt. Robert Cortez, 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant flight chief. "But our families have grown accustomed to it and know it is part of our way of life."

Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander, joined wing leaders in thanking the Airmen for their service as they boarded the aircraft and wishing them good luck and a safe return.

"I'm very proud of each and every one of them," Weatherington said. "Our nation has called upon them once again, and their training and professionalism will ensure they meet the demands of the mission. I look forward to welcoming each one when they return."