Deployed Airmen conclude operations at Powidz AB, Poland

by Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton
USAFE/AFAFRICA Public Affairs

8/26/2014 - POWIDZ AIR BASE, Poland  -- Airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron performs their final flying operations at Powidz Air Base, Poland, Aug. 25, 2014.

For more than 75 Airmen deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, this was their home-away-from-home for 60 days.

"Throughout this deployment the Airmen here represented America's forward presence, postured alongside our proven, indispensable European partners," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Barry King II, 37th AS detachment commander at Powidz. "The visible support we bring to Europe allows us to strengthen our interoperability through regular combined training exercises."

During their time in Poland, Airmen honed their operational skills and worked together to ensure the C-130's were ready and able to conduct low-level flight training at improved and unimproved landing zones, as well as partner with U.S. Army and NATO Service members for cargo and personnel airdrops. Aircrews worked around-the-clock, generating 150 flying missions that accounted for more than 330 hours in the air.

"This has been a tremendous opportunity for our Airmen to demonstrate their shared commitment to peace and regional security, alongside our NATO partners," said King. "Since 2012, the 37th Airlift Squadron has held training events like this in Poland. We are proud and honored to continue the tradition."

Throughout the training, Airmen on the ground toiled tirelessly to ensure the Super Hercules was in prime working condition. Twenty-nine Airmen devoted countless maintenance hours to keeping an aircraft, which recently turned 60, in the air.

"At any given moment, a C-130 could be called anywhere in the world to take on any challenge presented to it," said 2nd Lt. Su Johnson, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron sortie support officer in charge. "Maintainers are ready anytime to ensure that plane is prepped, ready to go and capable of returning safely. We take our job very seriously."

Whether on the ground or in the air, Airmen deployed to Powidz had a unique opportunity to test their capabilities, while integrating themselves with Polish culture and traditions.

"Our time in Poland has afforded us a unique opportunity to conduct training focused on maintaining joint readiness, ensuring our collective security and protecting our global interests," said King. "The benefits of training with other nations in deployed locations, like Poland, far outweigh the benefits that come from training independently. The experience gained by our Airmen alone is absolutely essential to maintaining our commitment to a Europe that is whole, free and at peace."