86th Operations Group puts ‘win’ in Wing

Jet engines start with a deafening roar, warming the tarmac while they await takeoff into clear blue skies.

Today, like most days, aircraft from the 86th Operations Group are being prepared for flight to complete daily training requirements and mission objectives.

“Our mission is to fly and deploy, providing airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation capabilities to units within our reach,” said Maj. Scott Vander Ploeg, 86th OG director of staff. “On any given day we can be on three or four different continents supporting the U.S. and its allies.”

While maintaining a presence on multiple continents, Airmen from the 86th OG primarily support two combatant commanders.

“We typically assist U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command,” Vander Ploeg said. “But we have the capabilities to provide support to other combatant commands if necessary.”

The 86th OG’s operations directly tie into the 86th Airlift Wing’s mission by employing air mobility throughout the European and African theaters with the efforts of nearly 1,300 Airmen and a fleet of C-130J Super Hercules, C-40B Clipper, C-37 Electra, C-21A and C-20H aircraft.

“As a team, you guys swing from one area of responsibility to another on any given day,” said Brig. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., 86th AW commander. “The workload isn’t getting any lighter, and you continue to bring back the planes we send out.”

When it comes to mission completion and efficiency, members from the 86th OG continuously impress their chain of command.

“Airmen in the 86th OG are some of the most professional Airmen I’ve worked with,” Vander Ploeg said. “When it comes to the mission, they make it happen despite any challenges that arise.”