CONTACT: LTC Paul Fanning (518)786-4581

FOR RELEASE: Monday, Jul 16, 2007

ON SITE: Lt. Col Robert Bullock (518) 473-7105

C-130 aircrew and aircraft belonging to the 109th Airlift Wing, based at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Glenville, have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The aircrew and aircraft departed over the past two weeks. This is the first time since the Vietnam War that aircraft and Airmen belonging to the 109th have deployed at the same time to a combat zone. Members of the 109th have been actively supporting combat operations in the Global War on Terrorism continually since 9/11. The 109th is the only unit in the world equipped with LC-130s that can land on ice and snow and the Wing's primary mission is to support National Science Foundation activities in the Arctic and the Antarctic. That mission has not changed. The tactical airlift mission is an additional duty that the Wing took on to further its ongoing support of national defense. In recent months the 109th's aircrew have been training in tactical landings, takeoffs and flying, which has resulted in low level flights and night time flights over the areas surrounding the base and at various locations across the United States. This training has been critical in preparing the crews to deploy in combat. Because more aircrew are expected to deploy the training will be continuing and the New York Air National Guard appreciates the community's support for this activity.