TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (USTCNS) --- A group of deployed Travis airmen played no small part in the first stages of Operation Enduring Freedom.
They were the first to arrive at their deployed location. They were the first to launch aircraft from there to support the first wave of military strikes against Afghanistan in support of the President's campaign against terrorism. Travis' KC-10 aircrews and support personnel did this by providing the air refueling necessary to get bombers and other strike aircraft to the fight.
In a teleconference at Travis Oct. 11, eight deployed Travis aircrew and support personnel spoke of their lives on the lines at one of the forward-deployed locations.
"We fly our refueling missions every day from here, sometimes working 12-plus hour days," said "Notso," a KC-10 crew chief. "In our time off, we sleep, eat and e-mail our families and friends if we can, letting them know we're okay while trying to keep up with their daily lives back home."
The fourth day of military operations was about to commence at the deployed location as the teleconference progressed. Although away from their families, the aircrew member's spirits were high.
"Morale here is incredible," said "Exxon," a KC-10 pilot and deployed squadron commander. "We're refueling all types of airframes out here involved with Operation Enduring Freedom, not just Air Force aircraft. I'm extremely proud to be an American right now. The first day of operations, morale was extremely high. It hasn't declined since. Folks are really pumped up, and they understand the reasons why we're out here."
According to a KC-10 boom operator, without the support of the American people, the lives of the deployed military personnel could be much more difficult.
"It's amazing, the support we've gotten back in the States," said "Rafter." "We're thankful for all the support and prayers of everyone. We're thankful that no one has let go of what we're fighting for - freedom."
As U.S. military strikes continue in Afghanistan, humanitarian airdrops for the Afghan people continue as well. AS of Oct. 12, bombers and strike aircraft continued to hit military targets in Afghanistan, including airfields, air defense sites and infrastructure of the al Qaeda terrorist organization.
To underscore the policy that military action against terrorists is not an attack on the Afghan people, U.S. cargo aircraft continue to airdrop humanitarian daily rations in the region, dropping more than 35,000 packets on Tuesday alone.
Life at the tip of the sword does not come without its challenges. Airmen are oceans apart from their families while doing their jobs.
"We don't know what tomorrow's missions bring, when we're going to see our families next, or if we'll be home for Christmas or for our children's next birthdays," said "Tex," a Travis KC-10 pilot who has been involved since the first night of military operations in Afghanistan. "But we're here and ready. When you fly and refuel your fellow pilots-at-arms and know they are going much closer to the fight, you have to centralize your emotions and do what you have to do to accomplish the mission.
"They have my support and prayers. I want those guys to come back from the fight, too," he said.
(FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
