PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Fifty-two Air Force Reservists and two C-130 aircraft assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing deployed to Powidz Air Base, Poland March 23 to April 17, 2015. The 302nd AW members joined U.S. Air Force members permanently assigned to the U.S. Air Force's Aviation Detachment in Poland as well as two C-130s from Ramstein's 37th Airlift Squadron to conduct bilateral training with the Polish Air Force (PLAF). During the deployment the reservists and C-130s participated in operations focused on maintaining joint readiness while building inter-operability with our Polish Allies.

The deployed aircrew, aircraft maintainers and aerial porters worked along-side their Polish counterparts forging partnerships and conducting inter-fly missions.  The missions flown included formation flying, nighttime low-level training, unimproved landing zone training and paratroop drops.  This was the first time members of the Colorado Reserve wing participated in operations in Poland.

"This was a huge learning experience for our crews," said deployment commander and former 731 AS commander, Col. Chris Clay.  According to Clay, the main take-aways for the 302nd AW members included actual airdrops in Polish drop zones, formation flying with Polish C-130s, using landing zones with un-improved grass landing strips, air-to-air engagements with dis-similar aircraft and airdrops of Polish and U.S. military personnel.

The 302nd AW crews flew 25 training missions, mostly tactical airland events along-side the Polish Air Force, in a three-week span accomplishing 60 flight hours, 240 training events and 40 airdrops.

"For our unit [302nd AW] this was the first time operating in a large-scale NATO exercise," said Clay. The crews flew large formation missions and conducted both night and day airdrops in addition to air-to- air operations throughout the exercise.

According to Lt. Col. Jack Harman, commander of the Aviation Detachment in Poland, "This was the most robust C-130 engagement to date in Poland. The efforts of the 302nd and 37th bring the PLAF one step closer to seamless integration within NATO operations."

In addition to the C-130 aircrews who participated, the aircraft maintainers supporting the operation, also found this first-ever deployment to Poland to be equally unique and rewarding.

Describing the skill levels of 21 aircraft maintainers who deployed from the 302nd Maintenance Group, Chief Master Sgt. Blackmann, 302nd Maintenance Squadron superintendent said, "We made sure we had experience in prime shops but also afforded this opportunity to a few less experienced and others that normally don't get a shot at a deployment like this." Those aircraft maintenance shops included support equipment, hydraulic, engine, fabrication, fuel systems, electric/environmental and avionics shops.

"We were fortunate, the aircraft performed well," added Blackmann.  "Although the aircraft cooperated, there were many long days in tough weather conditions. It was challenging at times but the teamwork was second-to-none which made all the difference. And, when we weren't turning aircraft our technicians spent time with the Polish mechanics working the back-shops, sharing technical experiences and establishing networks." said Blackmann.

Discussing the language and communication challenges, Blackmann said, "We all had to be patient. It helped that our counterparts were very professional and willing to work together. Unlike other deployments, we went into this not knowing what to expect but we made it work. Again, I had a great team, excellent support from the 52nd OG/Det 1 contingent and credit them all for a successful operation and great experience."