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126th ARW deploys members in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

  • Published
  • By 126th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The 126th Air Refueling Wing based at Scott has been actively involved in and continues to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Recently, the 126th ARW deployed more than 100 members in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The members deployed as part of their Air Expeditionary Force rotation, which is an Air Force rotational structure that provides predictability for most deployments and training. The deployed members will mainly be involved in flying and maintenance operations providing aerial refueling. These missions play an important role helping promote regional stability in Central Asia and throughout the region. 

"The men and women of the Illinois National Guard continue to play a vital role in our national military strategy here at home and around the world," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "This particular deployment is a true joint effort for the Illinois National Guard with approximately 3,000 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers already in place and members from the Illinois Air National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing and the 182nd Airlift Wing joining the fight." 

"I'm very excited about this deployment, but I know there will be many challenges," said Master Sgt. Frank Lamm of O'Fallon, who is deploying to provide direct support to 126 ARW operations personnel. "We will be flying numerous (flights) and that can take a toll on both personnel and equipment, but we're all focused on our mission and ready to meet any demand." 

Since September 11, 2001, the 126th ARW has supported operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom by deploying more than 2,420 members, transporting more than 678 tons of cargo, equating to roughly 1.36 million pounds, and off-loading more than 14.6 million gallons of JP-8 jet fuel. Wing members participating in these operations have received one Purple Heart, 25 Air Achievement Medals, three Air Medals,
one Air Force Combat Action Medal and more than 60 Meritorious Service Medals.
The 126 ARW flies the KC-135R Stratotanker. The aircraft is a military version of the Boeing 707, and is capable of offloading approximately 200,000 pounds of fuel to receiver aircraft. The offload takes place in mid-air at air speeds in excess of 500 miles per hour. The tanker is only 20 feet above the nose of the receiver aircraft during fuel transfer. 

The Airmen from the 126th ARW left for their tour overseas at the end of November. While various members of the 126th Air Refueling Wing are deployed, the unit is still fully capable of handling its day-to-day mission and any contingency missions that may arise.