Paved runways aren’t always available in areas where troops need vital supplies. Airmen at the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron gave a little bit of TLC to some of our C-17s in order to prepare them to land on some rough airfields. Pictured is Staff Sgt. Brandon Ferris, who is removing an anti-collision light that would be damaged if left on. 8EAMS is responsible for getting cargo to bases throughout the region, averaging about 10,000 lbs. per month.
We were proud to host comedian D.L. Hughley and country band Lonestar last Saturday evening. Deployments are tough and events like these enable all those who serve here the chance to take a break and enjoy a slice of home. The event was a huge success thanks to our volunteers and was organized by the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron. Special thanks to Whitney Oliver, Capt. Casey Anderson, and all those who made this event possible.
America’s story has been intimately linked to the Pacific, which is why we were proud to proclaim May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Generations of brave men and women are from or have served in Asia or the Pacific and recognizing their sacrifice and contributions allows us to celebrate diversity and keeps our rich cultural foundation strong.
Thanks for another great week!
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
Australia and New Zealand Army Corps day was April 25 and we were proud to join our coalition partners for a dawn ceremony to celebrate the endeavors and valor of the soldiers who fell in defense of their nations. Pictured is Royal Australian Air Force Group Capt. Robert Chipman who is saluting after laying a wreath in honor of fallen service members. Following the wreath presentation, both flags were lowered to half staff and a one-minute long moment of silence was observed. It was an honor to stand with our coalition partners –we couldn’t be so successful in our mission without their shared service and sacrifice.
Twenty two teams and 149 servicemembers tested their physical endurance at a triathlon here last week. The triathlon consisted of a 520-meter swim, 20 kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. U.S. Army Maj. Richard Gash won the men’s category, with a final time of 1:09:09, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Sparks won the women’s category, with a final time of 1:11:19. The team relay winner was “Six Point 5”, which completed the event in 1:14:02. Special thanks to all those at the CGOC who organized and made this event so successful.
Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, Combined Forces Air Component Commander, visited firefighters from the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron to learn about their mission and say thank you for their service here. Pictured, Lt. Gen. Goldfein thanks Senior Airman Shaun Durkin for the exceptional work they do in keeping us all safe.
Thanks for another great week!
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
We were proud to commemorate the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month with the “We own the Night” Flak Vest Walk. Capt Kristina Garuti, the wing’s sexual assault response coordinator, has a host of events planned for the rest of the month. Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes in society, and it has no place in our Air Force. We must all be good wingmen and speak up before bad circumstances occur–remember, hurts one, affects all.
During a recent inspection on a KC-135, crew chiefs from the 340th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit found that the side strut actuator on the main landing gear was leaking hydraulic fluid, and that was when the hydraulic section got the call. This is a part that is rarely replaced, so the team got some valuable OJT done. Airman 1st Class Johnathan Holmes, Tech. Sgt. Adam Jensen, and Senior Airman Benjamin Guthrie, all hydraulics specialists, worked together to get this aircraft up and running again.
Wing exercises are a valuable opportunity to test our emergency responders so that if the worst should occur, we are prepared. Pictured, Staff Sgt. Matthew Aronhalt, 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, radios his EOD counterparts about information during an initial assessment of a mock blast at a theater here. Check out the link for more on how base emergency officials put their skills to the test.
Thanks for another great week!
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
The 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron’s wheel and tire shop spends countless hours to ensure our mission keeps rolling. Pictured is Staff Sgt. Michael Trotter, native of Pensacola, Fla., who is cleaning an aircraft wheel rim during a routine inspection. During the cleaning Trotter checked the rim for noticeable damage and cleaned away carbon buildup that could compromise its integrity. The crew of eight Airmen provides units with a full range of wheel and tires services for six different airframes including the F-16, C-130, KC-135, and B-1.
Ten teams from across the base competed at our first Warrior Chef competition. The event was hosted and organized by our Rising Six organization in order to foster teambuilding and promote morale. Pictured is Lt Col Terrance Adams, 379 Expeditionary Communications Squadron commander, who is trying to convince us judges just why his team’s dish was the best. A secret ingredient—dates—was added at the last minute in order to shake things up. While all the dishes were delicious, the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron joined the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group as winners of their respective groups.
Airmen with the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight operate DoD’s busiest fuels operation, pumping 20.9 million gallons of fuel per month. Pictured, Senior Airman Cameron Farrell, refueling maintenance technician, pulls a hose from a fuel truck during an inspection. Farrell, along with the preventative maintenance team inspects the hoses, gauges, and grounding wires, as well as various vehicle functions on every refueling unit in their inventory.
Thanks for another great week!
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
We hosted an annual National Prayer Luncheon here where Chaplain (Col.) Dondi Costin, AFCENT command chaplain spoke about the importance of spiritual fitness. Chaplain Costin encouraged attendees to not sweat the small things in life and that it’s important for us all to practice what we preach. Many challenges may seem overwhelming during a deployment—spiritual fitness complements being physically, mentally, and socially fit—as we overcome challenges and continue our mission. Hats off to all those volunteers who made this event so successful!
The men and women of the Precision Measurement Equipment Lab calibrate more than 16,000 items ranging from screws to radar systems. Pictured is Staff Sgt. Emil Gomez, a Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory technician and native of Kapolei, Hawaii, who is uses a frequency calibrator at the PMEL shop here. It’s the only one in the AOR, supporting more than 260 work centers throughout Southwest Asia. Even the slightest problem with equipment can harm the mission, and these Airmen bring their energy and their expertise, enabling our precise operations every day.
A joint team came to the aid of an ailing working dog here who broke his tooth during a bite drill at another base in the region. Roy, a Belgian Malinois, has been out of action since the injury, as every bite has been a painful one. Our dental clinic here, together with an Army vet, came to the rescue, giving Roy a temporary filling which will allow the mission to continue. Pictured is Staff Sgt. Joel Brooks, 405th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron dog handler, who is happily greeting Roy as he wakes up after undergoing the procedure.
Thanks for another great week!
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
I had the opportunity and honor to reenlist Staff Sgt. Jared Johnson, deployed here from Misawa AB, Japan. Staff Sgt. Johnson is a K9 handler with the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and is renewing his commitment to the Air Force after serving 9 ½ years. I spoke with his mother yesterday and she shared how proud she is of her son. SSgt Johnson and all the men and women of the 379th ESFS make a difference ensuring the safety and security of our Airmen, coalition partners, and allies.
Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander, visited us here this week. Here, Staff Sgt. Ryan Bush, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron precision measurement equipment laboratory technician, explains equipment calibration during Gen Hoffman’s visit to the base. Because the 379th is one of the most diverse wings in the Air Force, Gen. Hoffman visited different units to see how processes could be streamlined for the future and to discuss current issues with our Airmen.
Thousands depend on the work done by the men and women of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, better known as Pyramid, every day. Here, A1C Kevin Castleberry observes activity on his radar, and monitors up to eight systems at one time. All of the mission sets requiring air support are funneled through Pyramid, whose joint and coalition team coordinates close air support, surveillance, special operations, and air refueling missions for both aircraft and troops on the ground.
Thanks for another great week!
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
This month the base will take time to honor the many contributions of not only women throughout history, but women who serve beside us. Women’s history month is every March in the U.S. and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Check out this link for more information. Pictured is British Royal Air Force Flight Lt. Rachel Haith, a logistics officer here, speaking about women’s education during a Women’s History Month breakfast here.
As a mission partner of the 379th, the men and women of the 108th ADA train daily to ensure they are ready to defend the region if called upon. Here, U.S. Army Spc. Ernesto De Jesus guides a launcher canister onto a PAC-2 launcher. These soldiers are ready to keep the region safe from aerial attacks, missile attacks and unauthorized surveillance. In order to accomplish what they do, teamwork and attention to detail is a must. Hit the link for more, including a video of them in action.
These great Airmen represent more than 60 volunteers who stepped up, got creative, donated their time and were able to raise $5,600 for the Air Force Enlisted Village. The AFEV support the widows of enlisted Airmen with housing and financial assistance. These Airmen are making a difference and leading by example. You can read more at the link about how the base contributed to this important cause.
Thanks for another great week!
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
Capt. Laura Hunstock, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapon systems officer and native of Bossier City, La., shakes hands with her crew chiefs before the 10,000th combat mission here Feb. 26, 2012. The 10,000th combat sortie for the B-1 is an important milestone—a testament to the people who have flown, maintained, and supported the Bone. This aircraft and the people associated with it have continually evolved to meet the mission, and we are truly honored to add this chapter to the Grand Slam Wing’s rich history.
The base celebrated African American Heritage Month throughout February to highlight the diversity and rich cultural foundation of our military community. Pictured is Senior Master Sgt. Regina Coonrod with AFCENT Public Affairs who was a panel member for a candid discussion about current issues involving diversity in the military. Other events included poetry reading and performances by gospel singers—hit the link to learn more.
Volunteers with Jar Saleh STAR (Good Neighbor Science & Technology Advancement and Relationship) hosted students from a school in the region on the base. The Jar Saleh STAR volunteers recently judged a robotics competition at the school so you can imagine the smiles on these students faces when they got to control an EOD robot. Pictured is Master Sgt. Richard Soares, 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron EOD flight chief, who taught students how to operate the robot system. The tour was a hit with the students and we thank all who volunteered for this event.
Thanks for another great week!
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
The 379th Expeditionary Medical Group calls out for volunteers to help inspect and repack individual first aid kits on a regular basis. Volunteers are vital to this process, as the wing certifies more than 35,000 kits per year. Here, Senior Airman Letichia Blue, 379th EMG medical logistics technician and native of Alexandria, Va., explains the procedure to the volunteers. Service members depend on the gear in these packs when someone needs immediate medical care. IFAKs save lives, and we thank our Airmen and partners who had a role in this event.
Strengthening relationships and building resilience was the focus of a seminar and information fair held here last week. Here, 1st Lt. Pauline Smith, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing protocol officer and Dallas native, receives information on resilience programs from Tech. Sgt. Tamra Whiting, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group radiology specialist and victory chapel volunteer, during the event. The seminar, sponsored by the 379th Chaplain’s office, included a free movie shown at the theater that had a message of strengthening relationships. Events like these are just another way to leave from a deployment as a stronger, more resilient person.
It takes teamwork and coordination to process and move 12,000 tons of cargo every month. The men and women of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron ramp and cargo processing sections work around the clock to get the mission done. Pictured are Airman 1st Class Michael Bethell and Staff Sgt. Walter Towers, who are preparing a tow chain for a generator before it is loaded into a C-17. The 74 Airmen of the 8th EAMS cargo and ramp sections ensure the right supplies, cargo, and fuel make it to forward deployed locations on time.
Thank you for another great week.
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
Training and teamwork is key for the men and women of the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, and that was clear when they received a short-notice priority mission to aid in evacuating American hostages from Somalia recently. Pictured are members of the AE team on the mission, Staff Sgt. Donald Ennis, Maj. Debra Sims, and Staff Sgt. Richard Brampton. The 379th EAES transports an average of 120 wounded and injured service members each month from several locations throughout the Middle East. In addition to routine missions, they are also on standby to transport and provide medical attention to anyone in theater at a moment’s notice.
Volunteering in the community is important to establish enduring partnerships. We were pleased to see our Jar Saleh STAR (Good Neighbor Science Technology Advancement and Relationships) volunteers work with a school in the region to help children. Pictured is Capt. Geoffrey Dobson with the 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, who, among several other deployed volunteers, aided students by teaching technology and presentation skills at the school.
Defending the base is a critical priority — we must remain constantly vigilant in defending our personnel and base infrastructure. Here, Staff Sgt. Kimberly Edmonds with the 379th Host Nation Coordination Cell simulates an injury and is helped by (from left to right) Tech Sgt. Jamen Berry, A1C Dwayne Morris, and Staff Sgt. Steven Sloma, all with the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, during an active shooter exercise this week. We continually test our defense and response capabilities so our Airmen and partners are prepared and know how to react should the worst occur.
It is an honor to serve with you.
Brig Gen GI Tuck, Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
Paved runways aren’t always available in areas where troops need vital supplies. Airmen at the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron gave a little bit of TLC to some of our C-17s in order to prepare them to land on some rough airfields. Pictured is Staff Sgt. Brandon Ferris, who is removing an anti-collision light that would be damaged if left on. 8EAMS is responsible for getting cargo to bases throughout the region, averaging about 10,000 lbs. per month.
We were proud to host comedian D.L. Hughley and country band Lonestar last Saturday evening. Deployments are tough and events like these enable all those who serve here the chance to take a break and enjoy a slice of home. The event was a huge success thanks to our volunteers and was organized by the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron. Special thanks to Whitney Oliver, Capt. Casey Anderson, and all those who made this event possible. 
America’s story has been intimately linked to the Pacific, which is why we were proud to proclaim May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Generations of brave men and women are from or have served in Asia or the Pacific and recognizing their sacrifice and contributions allows us to celebrate diversity and keeps our rich cultural foundation strong.
