Guard tankers support mission on both sides of the pond

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The ability to refuel cargo aircraft in the skies over the Atlantic Ocean and Black Sea is a critical force multiplier in the Global War on Terrorism. One Air National Guard unit is currently fulfilling this important mission on both sides of the pond.

Airmen from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 171st Air Refueling Wing have been flying "Bravo" missions refueling C-17s headed overseas from their home base in Pittsburgh since 2003. Deployed here as members of the 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, the Guardsmen support Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom by refueling Globemaster IIIs and C-5s going into Afghanistan and coming out of Afghanistan and Iraq.

"C-17s leaving stateside are being picked up by our KC-135s out of Pittsburgh and when they get here they're picked up again by our refuelers," said Lt. Col. Don Accamando, 90th EARS deployed mission support commander. "We're working both sides of the Atlantic."

The unit's efforts help to ensure vital supplies are delivered to the Area of Responsibility and ultimately, save lives.

"Our mission is critical to the rapid movement of personnel and cargo from the U.S. to Europe and the Middle east and back," said Lt. Col. Ray Hyland, 90th EARS director of operations. "Our refuelings in the States and now over here in Turkey ensure that the war fighters in theater get what they need as quickly as possible."

"One tanker mission saves seven to 10 fuel trucks in a convoy," said Colonel Accamando.

The refueling squadron recently celebrated a milestone as it continues to demonstrate that a total force effort is required for mission success.

"We've been flying Bravo missions 24/7 since 2003 and just last week flew our one thousandth mission," said Colonel Hyland. "Flying missions on both sides of the pond allows us to show that the Guard and the 171st are very active contributors to the GWOT."