Military

FROM THE MEDITERRIAN REGION (USAFENS) -- While most people were just waking up and drinking their first cup of coffee, the first of several KC-135 aircrews from the 401st Air Expeditionary Wing launched combat support missions over the skies of Southwest Asia March 19.

A Grand Forks Air Force Base, N. D. aircrew took off in tanker 8879 or "el Diablo" as it's referred to in the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England to refuel fully armed F-15Cs from Eglin AFB, Fla. and Langley AFB, Va. 

"It was definitely a team effort all the way around today," said Col. Cathy Clothier, aircraft commander and Expeditionary Operations Group commander for the tanker operations here.  The 401st AEW has the largest contingent of KC-135 Stratotankers in the theater, and are due to receive more aircraft as the war over Iraq increases.  Due to host nation sensitivities, the location of the 401st AEW cannot be disclosed. 

From the initial aircrew intelligence briefing and preflight walk through of the aircraft, up to the air refueling operations, Clothier said the mood of everyone involved was very focused. 

"Tuesday I briefed all of our aircrew about the upcoming operations and told them what we are about to do in the next few days will change history.  Not a

 single bomb gets dropped, not a single air-to-air engagement happens, or missile is fired unless tankers make it happen," said Clothier.  "I'm proud of our people here and I'm excited to be a part of this." 

Capt. Brian Mackey and 1st Lt. Ryan Budinko flew with Clothier, and both agreed that the mission was one of the most exciting flights they have flown on. 

"I have deployed several times, and flown in both Operations NORTHERN and SOUTHERN WATCH, but the atmosphere was different on this mission," said Mackey.  "Today's mission was a lot of fun because of our aircrew and the range of experience from Col. Clothier all the way down to Airman (Edel) Brooks (boom operator) who flew on her first combat support mission."  

The third youngest aircrew member in the 401st AEW, 20 year-old Airman Edel Brooks has been in the Air Force just over one year, and on March 19 was responsible for offloading 60,000 pounds of fuel to four heavily armed Eagles. 

"It was great," said Brooks, referring to the mission.  "I always get excited about flying, and today was really amazing.  The day I stop getting excited about what I'm doing, is the day I need to think about doing something else."  

The tanker crew flew within 15 miles of the Iraq border, and the initial flight wasn't without some tense moments explained Budinko, co-pilot for the mission. 

"Prior to the air refueling, we showed up in the Egyptian airspace as an unidentified plane and were told to leave.  After working our way through some communication barriers, and going over our flight plan several times, they realized we were friendly.  The issue was quickly resolved and we were able to continue with the mission," said Budinko.  "It was a good learning experience, and we'll pass on the knowledge to help other crews stay alert to similar issues." 

Not only aircrew members take pride in flying combat missions.  March 18, production supervisors got together to decide which aircraft was the most reliable to fly the first sortie, and which crew chief deserved the recognition of having their jet take off first. 

"It was a unanimous decision," said Senior Master Sgt. Jesse Paul, a deployed senior maintenance supervisor for the KC-135 tanker fleet.  "8879 has one of the best performance records and Staff Sgt. Ben Buzga (8879 dedicated crew chief) has really worked hard and shown a real interest in what he's doing.  We can't give them pay raises but we can give them honors." 

Buzga, a six-year Air Force veteran, was told about the decision the day prior and only had one word to describe it - 'Wow.'  "I was really stoked about the decision," said Buzga. 

"It's nice to see that people notice what we do, and it feels rewarding beyond any letters or papers that we might receive.  Staff Sgt. Tony Contreras, Airman 1st Class Sean Browne and I all work on the aircraft and it was an honor for all of us," said Buzga. 

In the days ahead as more aircraft take off from here and provide the legs to get to the fight, the mission of the tankers is consistent.  "Our mission doesn't change in peacetime or wartime," said Mackey.  "We do this every time we fly and although there might be more coordination during combat missions, we train like we fight and we're ready for anything that comes our way."

                                                                                               -- USAFENS --