The big push - Airmen depart RAF Mildenhall for deployed locations

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tracy L. DeMarco
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The largest group of Air Expeditionary Force responders this cycle - about 100 Team Mildenhall members - departed for various locations in Southwest Asia Friday.

The passenger terminal was packed. Families cuddled in nearly every corner of the ground level. Supportive comments from commanders floated up to the ceiling while the sounds of children danced along the tile floor. Every so often a voice came over the loudspeaker to spread a message about security vigilance while traveling.

"It's been an emotional roller coaster," said Master Sgt. Julie Privette, from the 100th Services Squadron, while referencing the three-day departure delay. 

"I just want to start the clock and get it over with," she said as she hugged her 8-year-old daughter Rachel.

The flight was held up from its original itinerary due to mechanical problems. Now, ready and receiving fuel, the aircraft awaited the loading of its passengers - whether they were eager or not.

"I'm looking forward to it," Staff Sgt. Travis Register, from the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron, said. "I've never been to that part of the world."

The mixed mass of travelers included folks deploying by themselves and others leaving with a group such as the firefighters and those who will perform escort duties downrange. For some, deploying was a familiar task, while others were embarking on their first adventure of this type.

"Excited? So-so," Airman 1st Class Matthew Hutchinson, from the 100th SVS, said. "I'm not sure what's going to happen."

This is Airman Hutchinson's first deployment.

The uncertainty is surely the culprit behind family members' concerns as well.

With her head on her husband's shoulder, Christine Mellor, wife of Airman 1st Class Tylor Ketring, said, "I'm worried, but I know firefighters don't have to go off base so I know he'll be OK." Airman Ketring is also a first-time deployer.

a voice came over the loudspeaker which signaled the beginning of the boarding process. Instantly feet were moving, bags were slung onto shoulders, and spouses and children knew this was it. 

Master Sgt. Michael Lang, from the 100th Operations Support Squadron, said goodbye to his wife Dee and his 16 months-old son Nathaniel. This is Sergeant Lang's third deployment, but only his first as a Dad. When he returned from his last deployment Dee was 6-months pregnant. Nathaniel was asleep when Sergeant Lang left his wife's side and headed upstairs.

"The way we operate doesn't change," said Tech. Sgt. Adam Malone, 727th Air Mobility Squadron passenger services noncommissioned officer in charge. "The only difference when processing a large group is that, for comfort reasons, we open up the entire upper level to include the balcony and the Internet café as a holding area."

Deployments are definitely a part of the Air Force culture today. Conflicts in many countries necessitate members leaving their families or friends to support the fight more frequently now than during the cold war. As long as RAF Mildenhall remains active, so will the base deployment mission.