Maintainers and pararescuemen deploy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Members of the 943rd Maintenance Squadron and 306th Rescue Squadron deployed from D-M Jan. 23-26.

Squadron maintainers and pararescue personnel will be augmenting unit medical evacuation missions while deployed.

"This mission is important because it's saving lives," Col. Jeffrey Macrander, 920th Rescue Wing, commander, Patrick AFB, Fla. said. "There's no more important mission in the Air Force than bringing Americans home."

The squadron is deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. About 80 personnel and three aircraft will be shipped off to different areas of responsibility in Afghanistan over the course of three days.

"The United States says that we aren't going to leave anyone behind and that's what these guys are putting their lives on the line for everyday: to help save American and coalition forces," said Chief Master Sgt. Chris Tellsworth, 306th RQS chief enlisted manager and one of the squadron's deploying members. "It's rewarding to see the guys go out there and do what they've been training to do."

The 943d Maintenance Squadron has 106 personnel assigned, consisting of 8 civilians, 47 Air Reserve Technicians, and 51 Traditional Reservists.

"It's tough for the families to have these Airmen gone," Colonel Macrander said. "But to know that you are going to use your skills to help someone else to come home from the war is a great feeling."