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ONW, 39th ASEW shaped the way AF deploys 

Released: April 25, 2003

By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Tredway

39th Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (USAFENS) -- When Operation Northern Watch ended at the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom, so too did the mission of its lesser known counterpart, the 39th Air and Space Expeditionary Wing.

Although not many people may have known it existed, the 39th ASEW was created Sept. 15, 1997, to provide the troops and equipment needed to support ONW's mission of enforcing the no-fly zone over northern Iraq.

The 39th ASEW concept sought to organize deploying squadrons into a familiar structure, and relied on temporary duty augmentees to provide adequate numbers of personnel to support the mission.  The 39th Wing commander, dual-hatted as the commander of the 39 ASEW, exercised administrative control over all U.S. Air Force forces assigned to the task force.

"The 39th ASEW played a vital role in the success of ONW by providing the backbone of support to the entire operation. However, what many people don't realize, it actually shaped the way the Air Force deploys," said Col. Marc Felman, 39th Wing and 39th ASEW commander.

The 39th ASEW structure presented a cohesive fighting force with a simple command and control structure by having deployed units fall administratively under the 39th Wing.

Not only did the 39th ASEW directly contribute to ONW's operational success, it also helped pioneer a concept that is here to stay - and ultimately shaped the way our Air Force deploys.

By 1993, the Air Force had decreased to half its former size while deployment commitments increased. Manning the no-fly zone missions was the biggest challenge, and a management tool was needed to keep up with the operational requirements while taking care of Air Force people. The Air and Space Expeditionary Force system was that new tool. 

In fact, a whole generation of airmen have served in the no-fly zones and learned to deploy using the AEF system. During the course of the last 12 years as Operation Northern Watch airmen enforced the northern no-fly zone over Iraq, the logistical process was closely reviewed with our coalition partners and improved upon.

While these refined processes will enhance future operations, the impact of Operation Northern Watch was apparent during air operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"The men and women of the 39th ASEW not only ensured the success of ONW, but allowed the conditions for success to be set for Operation Iraqi Freedom," Felman said. "The Iraqi air defenses were totally ineffective due in large part to the work they did."