Fightin’ Dove send-off

The 76th Airlift Squadron said goodbye March 29 in “Fightin’ Dove” style to 10 of the squadron’s finest pilots, flight engineers, communication system operators and flight attendants as they departed for a three-month rotational deployment to Afghanistan in a Gulfstream IV C-20H aircraft. The deployed members will directly support the commander of the International Security Assistance Force and coalition leadership while war efforts continue in Afghanistan.

Squadron members and their families were invited for a send-off breakfast in the squadron’s heritage room, hosted by volunteers of the 76th AS and their spouse group. The 86th Operations Group commander, Col. William Ward, was in attendance on behalf of the 86th Airlift Wing commander, Brig. Gen. C.K. Hyde.

After the meal, farewells were exchanged and the deploying members stepped to their aircraft to load the last of their baggage and equipment. Deployment Commander Lt. Col. Todd Staudt led his crew of 10 in last minute preparations for takeoff, followed by motivational farewell speeches from Ward and Lt. Col. Tony Schenk, 76th AS Squadron commander.

“It’s an extreme source of pride for our squadron to directly support the war effort, and we have the duty and honor to ensure (the mission) is done well,” Schenk said.

As the roar of the C-20 engines started, more than 50 squadron and family members gathered in formation and rendered a salute while the aircraft taxied for takeoff to commence their three month deployed service. As the squadron prepares to support the deployed members’ families, all of them anticipate the return of their loved ones in early July.