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507th ARW Reservists deploy to Guam, SWA

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Rich Curry
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  More than 150 Air Force Reservists from the 507th Air Refueling Wing deployed December 27 -28 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The 507th flies and maintains the KC-135R Stratotanker and performs daily air refueling missions in support of national defense.

On Dec. 27, a small advance team started off the deployment movement, leaving their home wing here and traveling to Guam Air Base. On Dec. 28, the Guam main force, consisting of aircrew members from the 465th Air Refueling Squadron and aircraft maintainers from the 507th Maintenance Group, deployed several aircraft for 60 days in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and world-wide commitments. In all, roughly 80 members deployed to Guam.

A 30-member contingency of activated Operations and Maintenance members deployed to Southwest Asia for a 60-day Air Force Reserve Command rotation.

According to 507th Logistics Readiness officials, by the end of 2010 more than 400 wing Airmen will have deployed. Near the end of January, 20 reservists from the wing's 72nd Aerial Port Squadron will deploy to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan for a six month tour. The 72nd Aerial Port Squadron personnel load, unload, and process airfreight arriving from and departing to locations worldwide.

This coming June, more than 60 Civil Engineer Squadron members will also deploy to the Southwest Asia. Logistics Readiness officials also added that typically the 507th has an additional 100-150 members volunteering as individuals to support a variety of stateside and overseas roles throughout any given year.

"The 507th Air Refueling Wing has consistently supported a volunteer and AEF deployment tempo that rivals and exceeds other Air Force Reserve and active duty organizations," said Col. Jeffery R. Glass, 507th ARW commander. "Our best thoughts go out to these deployers as they serve in these critical roles. As a wing, each of us needs to remain committed to providing those in harm's way the very best home base support."