Airmen deploy from Mountain Home AFB

Air Force Links ^ | Staff Sgt. Jasmine Reif

[SandRat]

9/12/2006 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (AFPN) -- More than 160 Airmen from the 726th Air Control Squadron here deployed Sept. 10 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Their mission is to monitor the airspace over a battlefield and provide military leaders with a clear and accurate picture of that area, allowing commanders to make informed, real-time decisions.

"We are self-sufficient and are comprised of 27 Air Force specialty codes. We are capable of going into the middle of nowhere and supporting ourselves," said Master Sgt. Todd Kern, the 726th ACS first sergeant who did not deploy with the unit. "We consider ourselves a mini Air Force. We have our own vehicles, mechanics, services personnel and even our own independent duty medical technicians. We are always prepared to go."

For the past six months, the squadron has trained its members and worked out which equipment would be needed during the four-month deployment.

"We have been doing a lot of preparation, but not as much as when we deploy to a bare base," said Sergeant Kern. "The squadron has been deploying regularly and we were deployed in support of OIF last year from May to September. We are not part of the standard air (and space) expeditionary force rotations. We rotate with the other air control squadrons as enablers."

This year the Airmen will miss the holiday season, but many are looking forward to holidays taking place after they return home.

"They understand that mommy has to go and mommy will be back, so I told them we have a standing Valentine's Day date," said Senior Airman Yzonya Maull, 726th ACS air warning and control system technician.

The squadron's Airmen will serve at Balad, Kirkuk and Ali Air Bases within Iraq.

"It's part of the job, but it's never easy," said Lt. Col. Alvin Vann, 726th ACS commander. "We take care of the families of the Airmen back home and we try our best to take care of the Airmen who are deployed."

[SandRat]

Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly, Through the great spaces of the sky; Be with them traversing the air In darkening storms or sunshine fair.

You who keep with tender might The balanced birds in all their flight, Lord of the tempered winds, be near, That, having you, they know no fear.

Control their minds with instinct fit Whene'er adventuring, they quit Firm security of land; Grant steadfast eye and skillful hand.

Aloft in solitudes of space, Uphold them with your saving grace. Oh, God, protect the ones who fly Through lonely ways beneath the sky.

Amen.

Mary C.D. Hamilton, 1915, Quebec: L.M., Henry Baker, 1854

O God, I beseech You, watch over those exposed to the horror of war, and the spiritual dangers of a soldier’s or sailor’s life.

Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it, nor fear ever to practice it. By Your grace, O God, fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that being preserved from vice, and serving You faithfully, they may be ready to meet you face to face when they are so called: through Christ our Lord.

Amen