Airmen, aircraft deploy to Southwest Asia

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (USTCNS) --- Team McConnell continued its support operations in Southwest Asia when two aircraft and approximately 64 personnel representing the 22nd Air Refueling Wing deployed last week.

The personnel will swap out the operations and logistics group staffs. They will also provide fresh aircrew and maintenance personnel.

"All of the training we receive is to ensure we have the right tools to accomplish this and other real-world missions," said Lt. Col. Scott Brumbaugh, 344th Air Refueling Squadron commander. "Almost all of our deployees have known for several months they were leaving. This is proof that the AEF/EAF (Aerospace Expeditionary Force/Expeditionary Aerospace Force) system is helping to provide stability."

Many of the team members have gone through the processing line several times. However, Airman Shavon Johnson, 22nd Operations Support Squadron crew communications technician, is on her first deployment.

"I'm nervous about being away from home and my boyfriend," said Johnson.

She said she feels she's received all the training and tools she needs to be successful during the deployment. She smiled and said, "I know my job -- I'm an expert."

The airmen are grateful for McConnell's support structure. Airman 1st Class Candace Sparks, a life support technician in the 384th ARS, said her husband is currently deployed to Bosnia.

"I have the very best commander, first sergeant and supervisor," said Sparks. "The entire 384th ARS is simply the best."

Brumbaugh echoed Sparks' sentiments in regards to the support they receive from Team McConnell, "We have a strong support structure back here to take care of our families while we are gone. We appreciate all those from our leadership to organizations such as the Family Support Center."

Most of these airmen should start returning home in early June. (FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).