943rd RQG deploys in support of War on Terror

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (ACCNS) --  Nearly 80 members from the 920th Rescue Wing and the 943rd Rescue Group deployed from here Feb. 28 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The team of Reservists who are deploying to the Middle East will provide combat search and rescue operations while deployed.

The deploying men and women have spent months preaparing for this deployment, but Col. Robert Dunn, 943rd Rescue Group commander, said his Airmen have been training for combat throughout their careers.

"These men and women are every bit as thoroughly trained as their active-duty counterparts," he said. "That means they train to do more in much less time. Their commitment as Citizen Airmen is proven in their selfless, volunteer dedication. They leave behind their families, their jobs and their friends to protect the freedoms of every American. I'm very proud of each and every one of them."

Family members, armed with signs, flags and tissues, gathered at the 943rd Maintenance Squadron hangar to say good-bye to their loved ones before they stepped foot on the airplane.

"You get kind of used to it after a while," said Ronni Curry, girlfriend of Tech. Sgt. Joshua Donnelley, who is one of the 943rd members who deployed Feb. 28. "It's just another deployment, another part of his job that he has to do, but he'll be home soon."

The deploying Airmen are scheduled to be gone for various durations of time in support of the Global War on Terror, but most will be deployed between three months and one year.

The 943rd has a long history of deployments. The unit, under various titles, has deployed nearly every year since the first Gulf War.

The 943rd RQG trains personnel, with equipment, to achieve and maintain the capability to perform day and night combat rescue missions; search for, locate and recover Air Force and other Department of Defense personnel involved with United States defense activities; provide search and rescue support of civilians as directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and provide humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

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