New York ANG refuelers proud to be part of OEF
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The 107th flew their first sortie June 1 in support of the war on terror. Most personnel will be deployed anywhere from 45 days to six months.
"It's evident that we're proud to serve," said Col. Thomas Keough, commander of the 107th here. "We didn't have to mobilize anyone. We all volunteered to be here."
At this forward deployed location, more than 150 personnel take part in the KC-135 Stratotanker mission.
"I rarely miss one of these. It's important to be a part of the unit," said Chief Master Sgt. George Field, a line chief for the 107th.
KC-135s can provide aerial refueling to Air Force, Navy, Marines and coalition aircraft. "Our average mission duration is anywhere from six to seven hours," Keough said.
"We've refueled everything from F-14s and the French Mirage 2000 to RC-135Ws."
Between June 1 and July 11, the 107th crews had flown more than 115 sorties and logged more than 700 flight hours. The unit has also offloaded more than 5,000,000 pounds of fuel.
"The maintenance troops here do an outstanding job of taking care of their airplanes," Keough said. "For most of them, the aircraft is like their baby. They are proud to be with the aircraft and take special care of it. Our aircraft are some of the best out there anywhere."
Lt. Col. James "Jammer" Atkinson, the squadron maintenance officer here agrees with Keough.
"We have so many outstanding performers under the trying conditions here," Atkinson said. "I couldn't be prouder of these guys. They're phenomenal. Their hard work, dedication and training really shows through."
The 107th Air Refueling Wing also has a support role of cargo airlift on board each KC-135R. Members have deployed in support of world contingencies including Operations Strong Resolve, Uphold Democracy, Deny Flight, Decisive Endeavor, Joint Guard, Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. Members of the 107th were some of the first to respond to Ground Zero in support of perimeter guard duties for New York State Operation World Trade Center and Task Force Eagle.
"Being here is nothing new," said TSgt. Bill Klinefelter. "But on the same token, it is new because terrorism happened to the United States."
For some people, Sept.11 hit very close to home.
"September 11th really angered me because my children are there," Field said. "I wanted to be here and help with the effort."
To help with the mission demands, the 107th gets help from their counterparts, the 168th Air Refueling Wing from the Alaska Air National Guard.
The 107th and 168th have deployed in a lead-follow role. During the first half of the deployment, the 107th is the lead unit providing the majority of aircraft and personnel. Halfway through responsibilities, they will swap with the 168th assuming the lead role and the 107th providing support.
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