Fairchild Airman helps execute final Operation Enduring Freedom tanker mission

by Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

2/4/2015 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.  -- It's not often an Airman can say they took part in the final mission of a major U.S. operation, but Senior Airman Alexander Orr can.

The 93rd Air Refueling Squadron boom operator was part of the final tanker mission of Operation Enduring Freedom.

According to Orr, his job on the last mission for Operation Enduring Freedom was, "refueling the F-16s to help support (the troops) on the ground, that way they can get air support. Without us, the fighters can't stay in the air."

As a boom operator, Orr not only refuels other aircraft in mid-air, but also supports the pilots, helps load and unload cargo and even assists passengers.

"We support pilots, and know as many systems as they do," Orr said. "We're double checking the dials to help back them up in every possible way."

Orr took part in many combat sorties, and supported combat missions during his deployment.

"We were helping support Afghanistan and seeing what we accomplished put things into perspective," he said. "We knew we were helping support families and troops."

Capt. Remington Barnes, a 92nd Air Refueling Squadron training flight commander, who deployed with Orr, said Orr is an excellent boom operator.

"No matter what circumstances came our way he was always ready to handle them expertly," Barnes said. "He was the glue that kept our crew operating at a high level."

The last Afghanistan sortie they participated in felt like an ordinary day, Orr said. Operation Enduring Freedom started in October 2001 and lasted a little over 13 years ending in December 2014.

Orr said it felt like closure for all the men and women who passed away, and for all of the fighting that happened.