Colorado-based Combat 'Roos head out on first deployment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Members of the 52nd Airlift Squadron etched another place in their squadron's short history by deploying in support of operations in the Middle East Aug. 16.

Less than a dozen members of the squadron, known as the "Combat 'Roos," left here aboard a 302nd Airlift Wing-assigned C-130 Hercules bound for Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. They were expected to fly later on another aircraft bound for Southwest Asia.

"I'm excited to be heading out with our first 52nd AS deployers and grateful for this opportunity to lead our folks in combat," said Lt. Col. Carlos Ortiz, 52nd AS commander, who deployed to the Middle East to fill an expeditionary squadron commander role. "This is what it's all about!"

But the colonel pointed out that while he is excited, there were challenges to deploying.

"Without a doubt, the toughest thing about deploying is leaving my incredible family. I couldn't do this without their love and support," confessed Colonel Ortiz, a Pojoaque, N.M., native. "I think all of us deploying can honestly say the same thing."

The other deployed members of the squadron who departed with Colonel Ortiz are expected to be overseas for up to 120 days. The Airmen will fill positions as aircrew members in another organization in support of operations throughout U.S. Central Command's areas of responsibility.

The 52nd AS, which stood up officially in October 2009, is one of several active associations between Active Duty Airmen and their AF Reserve counterparts. Since last fall, the squadron has completely integrated with their 302nd AW counterparts, routinely flying blended missions together, as well as sharing C-130 Hercules maintenance responsibilities through joint dedicated crew chief assignments.

When asked about the importance of this first deployment for the young unit, Lt. Col. Patrick "Schlich" Schlichenmeyer, acting 52nd AS commander, said the work of getting Airmen deployed overseas is a joint effort between the Peterson's host unit, the 21st Space Wing, together with the 302nd AW and 52nd AS.

"There are a number of milestones along to road to becoming a fully operational-capable organization," said Colonel Schlichenmeyer, a native of Minneapolis, Minn. "We're validating our ability to do our war-time mission. Is the unit capable of deploying, employing and re-deploying? I would say the answer is yes and that's what we're proving through this first deployment."

The Airmen are expected to return from deployment in late December.

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