916th members return from successful AEF

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Randy LeMay
  • 916th ARW/PA
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC --  For members of the 916th Air Refueling Wing, volunteering to take on an additional Air Expeditionary Force commitment to Guam was not just a walk on the beach. Not scheduled for another AEF until July 2007, the 916th ARW agreed to fill a tanker unit shortfall created by the Base Realignment Committee.

To support the Guam Theater Security Package, the 916th provided aerial refueling capability for Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Pacific Command. While all other months covered by the Air Force Reserve Command are being covered by both a lead wing and a supporting wing,
the 916th agreed to fill the shortfall as a solo unit.

Leaving in late October, reservists were excited, but realistic of the task at hand. "We are expecting a fairly slow day-to-day operational tempo, but we are prepared to provide aerial refueling coverage throughout the theater 24/7," said Lt. Col. Eric Jorgensen, deployment commander.

Col. Jorgensen explained that more than 200 members from operations, maintenance, logistics, administrative and technical support were going to help with two training sorties on most flying days, but it could be more as tasked by Higher Headquarters.

With the deployment occurring over the holidays, Guam reservists came forward to support their comrades in arms. "Although the chow hall provides all meals, the local Air Force Reservists indicated they would like to host us for a Thanksgiving Day meal," said Col. Jorgensen. "They have excellent internet access in the chow hall twenty four hours a day," he added, which helped keep families in touch with their loved ones for the five-week deployment.

But while the mission was the priority it certainly wasn't the only thing that kept Seymour Johnson reservists busy. There were many outdoor recreational programs on-base such as a superb gym and a beautiful beach that included a scuba diving certification program. Reservists also enjoyed fishing excursions and just a little R&R seeing the scenery..

"With on-base billeting for all members, there was not be much interaction with local civilians," said Col. Jorgensen, But as is standard practice for the 916th, they did step to the plate to educate local civic leaders about the Air Force Reserve during a civic leader flight in early December. The flight hosted employers and civic leaders from Hawaii and Guam, something that the Pacific reservists really appreciated.

Reservists returned home the first week of December, just in time to celebrate the rest of the year's holidays with their families.