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Shaw Airmen deploy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C --  More than 150 Airman deployed from Shaw between Jan. 5 and 12 as part of Air Expeditionary Force rotation five and six.

During this AEF cycle, the 20th Fighter Wing is one of the lead wings, said 2nd Lt. Charlene Peters, installation deployment manager. This means the 20th FW is providing the bulk of the total number of deployed personnel to support operations.

"The 20th Fighter Wing takes pride in being a significant part of this AEF rotation," said Col. Bill Hyatt, 20th Fighter Wing commander. "Our warriors are highly trained individuals who play a vital role in accomplishing the mission in Southwest Asia."

Of those deploying, most are assigned to the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron.

The 20th LRS sent more than 30 Airmen, said Master Sgt. Pring, 20th LRS unit deployment manager.

The Airmen from the 20th LRS are supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom for up to 180 days.

"Like many squadrons in the wing, LRS is highly tasked during AEF cycles. The various talents of our logistics profession -- logistics planning, fuel, parts, cargo and personnel movement, convoys, and vehicle maintenance, making our personnel a highly desired commodity in the AOR," said Maj. Hilary Feaster 20th LRS acting commander.

"I've been deployed more than 30 times since I've been in," said Staff Sgt. Erik Caddick, 20th LRS fire truck maintainer. "But this is the first time I'll be going to this location so I'm excited to see what it'll be like."

"LRS deploys almost a quarter of the squadron's military personnel during each of Shaw's cycles. The key to successfully deploying high numbers is a robust unit readiness program, unit deployment mangers and supervisors actively engaged with training and deployment requirements," Major Feaster said.

The 20th CES sent more than 20 Airmen. The Airmen deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and South American Operations, said Tech. Sgt. David Curtis, 20th CES unit deployment manager.

Civil engineer Airmen with job specialties in firefighting, utilities, readiness, power production, pest management, engineering and liquid fuels will be deployed for up to180 days.

"We have an important mission to accomplish in the AOR," said Lt. Col. Jacqueline Crum, 20th CES commander. "The 20th CES deployed troops supporting that mission leaves us with roughly one-third less home-station resources to accomplish the 20th FW mission."

Those left behind are ready to build sustain, and protect...any challenge, anytime, anywhere, the colonel said.

"Every day we strive to give more than 100 percent to our customers. Our deployed Airmen must now focus on their new mission so freedom can flourish. We will take care of their families and the mission until they all safely return. Godspeed to all our deployed forces," Colonel Crum said.