Teamwork moves Rwandan troops

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Davina Petermann
  • 86th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Rwanda (USAFENS) --  It takes a lot more than Hercules to move Rwandan Defense Force members to the Darfur region of the Sudan.

The C-130 “Hercules” needs a team working together to make sure things go right.

There were ten crew-members on each of the flights working together to ensure the approximately 13-hour round-trip mission into Sudan was successful.

"There are so many moving parts to the mission that one person can't do it alone," said Capt. Bryan Aulner, a pilot with the 37th Airlift Squadron.

Three of the team members were Ravens, specially-trained flyaway security forces personnel that protect aircraft and aircrews while airborne and on the ground.

"We travel with the air crew to provide close-in-proximity security for both the aircraft and crew when flying into an area where security is not deemed adequate," said Staff Sgt. Lee Lyles, with the 786th Security Forces Squadron, one of the Ravens. "We are their only line of defense."

The Darfur region has no established security, so having the Ravens on board was necessary for the protection of the aircraft, crew, and the Rwandans.

"We were really excited to be part of this mission," said Airman 1st Class Brian McCann, a loadmaster with the 37th Airlift Squadron. "We wanted to ensure the Rwandan troops were comfortable, and in the case of an emergency that we got them to safety quickly."

Flying with passengers that speak a different language can be difficult, said loadmaster Tech. Sgt. A.K. Roberts, 37th Airlift Squadron.

"However, if an emergency were to happen, we have the training to get people out safely, even if they speak a different language," said Sergeant Roberts.

The Rwandan troops going into Sudan will help provide security in the area so various governmental and non-governmental agencies can deliver vital humanitarian relief to Darfur and eastern Chad. The U.S. Air Force is assisting the AU mission in Sudan by providing airlift into the country.

"I think it is awesome we have the opportunity to support the Rwandan troops and the African Union," said Captain Aulner. "The Darfur region of Sudan has endured so much suffering, and I'm proud we're part of the solution."

As of July 24, more than 560 Rwandan troops have been airlifted to Sudan.