The 4th Airlift Squadron is scheduled to
deploy March 31 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
More than 60 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 4th AS will depart for a
60-day deployment to the Middle East. They will be accompanied by Airmen
from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,
Hawaii. 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 Southwest Asia. They are replacing the 8th AS,
which is scheduled to return in early April.
The mission of the 817th EAS 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.