An airlift squadron from McChord Field deployed last week in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn with a Reservist in charge.

More than 100 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 4th Airlift Squadron departed Oct. 26 for a 60-day deployment to the Middle East.

Leading the mission will be Lt. Col. Anthony Angello, who also serves as the 313th Airlift Squadron commander under the 446th Airlift Wing. This deployment marks the first time a Reservist will be commanding an active duty squadron for the 817th EAS.

"It is an honor to be the first Reservist serving as a deployed commander," said Angello, 817th EAS commander. "But for me this is more reflective of our every day operations at McChord Field. We work side by side as a Total Force, so we respect the professionalism, work ethic and preparedness active duty and Reservists bring to the mission. I don't expect us to skip a beat while supporting our operations downrange."

The Airmen will take over operations of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

The unit will operate out of two bases, managing and flying missions concentrated in and around Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa, replacing the 8th Airlift Squadron.

Their mission is to provide global strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout the assigned areas of responsibility.

The 62nd AW's four active duty flying squadrons share responsibility for the deployed squadron and rotate operating the 817th EAS continuously. The deployments allow Air Mobility Command to consistently position assets closer to the action.