Hardrock deploys to Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Christopher Schoen
  • 726th Air Control Squadron
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  More than 200 personnel from the 726th Air Control Squadron and sister units deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Jan. 7, 2011.
The 726th ACS has deployed more than half of the squadron there since 2003 in support of air control operations and direct combat support.
 
"The mission has changed this year and our unit will be located in multiple areas throughout Southwest Asia," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Holt, 726th ACS unit deployment manager. "We have tailored our deployment requirements to meet specific combat requirements."

The squadron's mission is to provide air battle management to joint-air, land and sea power anytime, anywhere. Since 2003, the unit has received 11 Air Force Meritorious Unit Awards for multiple deployments around the globe.

"The 726th ACS is a very experienced squadron and have my utmost confidence in executing the mission and make the right decisions," said Col. Roger Brown, 552nd Air Control Group  commander.

This deployment will be different from others as the squadron has lost key jobs and adjusted its manning.

"The unit will refocus their operations and tactics to a more stabilizing entity," Brown said. "The perceptions and mindset are critical as we execute this mission. It starts with our experts on console."

Also different this year was that the majority of Airmen were home for the holidays.

"It was a huge win for us to be able to spend Christmas with our families and loved ones this year and provide the much needed fuel to cage our focus for this deployment," said Lt. Col. Trent Carpenter, 726th ACS commander. "The primary thing enabling us to effectively execute our tactical mission is the amazing dedication, drive and sacrifice made by the personnel and their families.

"There is also the outstanding communication and care provided by the Hardrock Spouses Group and in-garrison leadership," continued Carpenter. "If the members know things are good to go at home, they can put 100 percent of their focus towards mission execution."

The HSG fills the role of supporting the unit, families and friends left behind during deployment time. It is important to have a strong support network in place for those back home.

"Taking care of families is vitally important, and I am lucky to have a solid team of seasoned, caring key spouses as well as a great working relationship with our first sergeant," said JoAnn Carpenter, 726th ACS HSG leader. "Most service members will have to go through a deployment at one time or another and with good communication and a strong support system it will make these times less difficult, as well as minimize distractions down range for the deployed members."

The HSG handed out care packages filled with goodies to the deployed members as they were boarding the bus to the plane.

Anyone who would like to contact a member of the HSG for support during a deployment can e-mail hardrockspouses@gmail.com.