CRG team deploys, returns to Ramstein
Released: Mar. 4, 2003
By 1st Lt. Phillip Ulmer
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) - Approximately seventeen members of the 86th Contingency Response Group here returned home Saturday after an 11-day deployment to Sigonella Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy.
The 86th CRG is a unique group made up of more than 40 various Air Force specialties. The unit can deploy quickly to forward, unprepared locations and establish initial aerial port operations, command and control, maintenance, communications and force protection.
"We pre-positioned at Sigonella so we could provide support downrange," said Capt. Tim Lee, 86th CRG Tanker Airlift Control Element commander. "We helped download wing aircraft at forward operating locations that didn't have TALCE support."
The 86th Airlift Wing and the 86th CRG are supporting the transition of people and equipment to locations throughout the U.S. Central Command and U.S. European Command theaters to support the global war on terrorism.
The group that deployed, made up of airmen from six different career fields ranging from communications to maintenance, also provided maintenance support for the wing's C-130 Hercules en route.
"I was called in to help troubleshoot a broken Herk," said Staff Sgt. Eric Wilhelm, 86th Air Mobility Squadron crew chief. "It looked like a big hydraulic leak. But after an initial inspection, and a little bit of work, we were able to ensure the mission departed on time."
"As usual, everyone performed great," said Lee. "It's not always easy to merge a diverse group like this, but they know what they have to do and do it."
"This is a great bunch of guys," added Master Sgt. David Baldridge, 86th CRG mission support team chief. "They deployed, performed their mission well and it's time to go home. We'll be ready to redeploy again in just a couple days."
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