After Airmen in the 10th Airlift Squadron left Feb. 24 for a 75-day deployment to the Middle East, the base welcomed home Airmen from the 7th AS on Wednesday.

More than 120 Airmen from the 7th AS returned after a 60-day deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The Airmen were deployed as the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. The C-17 squadron's mission was 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.

"It was an honor for us to serve as the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in this critical time of Operation Enduring Freedom," Lt. Col. Eric Carney, 817th EAS commander, said in a release. "The unit was made up of active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen from various units who served with pride and professionalism while supporting the joint force.  I am truly humbled to be their commander and could not be prouder of their service."

During its deployment, the C-17 squadron flew 707 sorties, equaling more than 2,360 hours, moved more than 41,579 passengers and delivered more than 22.9 million pounds of combat sustainment cargo for U.S. military forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and operations in East Africa.

As for the departing Airmen with the 10th AS, they will team with Airmen from the 446th Airlift Wing and others from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, to take over operations of the 817th EAS.

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

"It is an incredible honor to command a deployed flying squadron in a time of war," Lt. Col. Clint ZumBrunnen, 817th EAS commander, said in a release.  "We are taking a total force team to the combat zone. Airmen from Pacific Air Forces, Air Force Reserve Command and each of the other squadrons in the 62nd Operations Group will work side-by-side to accomplish the mission for 75 days."

"In such a dynamic environment, a wide range of perspectives and experience levels enhances the unit's effectiveness," added ZumBrunnen. "I am fortunate to have so many contributors from outside the 10th AS on my team."

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.