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Vol. 2, No. 4 Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan February 10, 2006 A-10 Thunderbolt IIs arrive C-130s deliver By Staff Sgt. Melissa Koskovich U.S. Central Command Air Force to support ground forces Forward - Public Affairs By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente Editor The sounds of cargo aircraft echo through the Afghan hillside. th Members of 355 Expeditionary Families huddle against their th Fighter Squadron and 455 makeshift homes, watching air- Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance dropped bundles glide to the Squadron are here to conduct and ground. support close air support missions These deliveries contain for the U.S. and coalition ground blankets, firewood, medical forces throughout Afghanistan. supplies and food — a gesture of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, compassion and a foundation to deployed more than 240 Airmen build on. beginning Jan. 13 to support more Since October 2004, the 774th than a dozen A-10 Thunderbolt IIs Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, here. with support from the air mobility The maintainers generate A-10s division at the Combined Air around the clock in order to meet Operation Center in Southwest the twenty-four-hour Asia, has planned and executed operational requirements. Once missions, airdropping more than airborne, the pilots provide support 2.1 million pounds of humanitarian to the ground forces through visual aid throughout Afghanistan. lookout, communications and “These airdrops play an firepower, said Lt. Col. Quentin important part in the effort to Rideout, 355th EFS commander. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente stabilize Afghanistan,” said Lt. “Visual lookout is providing the Col. Benjamin N. Bellis, a 774th Senior Airman Christopher R. Hidalgo, right, turns the ground forces with a ‘bird’s eye EAS pilot deployed here from the Gau-8/A system on an A-10 Thunderbolt II while Senior view’ of the battlefield,” said Colonel Wyoming Air National Guard. Airman Calvin S. Holford, left, loads 36 dummy rounds to Rideout. “Communications is the “This type of airpower ensure the system works correctly. The Airmen are air- ability to give those forces ‘real- demonstrates to the Afghan craft armament systems journeymen in the 455th Expedi- time’ information on what you see, people that the United States and tionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. and firepower is the ability to our coalition allies are not only engage and destroy enemy forces ground. That being said, this is where the A- designed for combat but also for when necessary,” said Colonel Rideout. 10 belongs… it’s what we live for.” humanitarian purpose,” he said. “There is a real need for close air “Though we are not here to train, the very “The local people will remember support in Afghanistan,” he said. nature of the operation provides literally the our forces providing them with “Operations are conducted in very best CAS training in the world,” he said. food and firewood during austere terrain, which means most ‘fire fights’ occur when opposing forces are within one kilometer of our troops on the — See ‘Thunderbolts’, Page 4 — See ‘Airdrops’, Page 4 2 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen join together to complete mission By Col. Paul T. Johnson only a portion of a full squadron, they number of crews and their capability will not 455th Operations Group commander consistently maintain astounding mission diminish in any way. capability rates. Lt. Col. Pat Keenan, 41st The newest member of the 455th EOG is As we all settle into life in and around EECS commander, leads the unit deployed the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. Lt. Bagram Airfield, I would like to elaborate on from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Col. Ken McDaniel, 774th EAS commander, the role the 455th Expeditionary Operations The senior residents on the ramp here and his squadron have traveled a long road Group plays within our wing. The operations are the A-10s. Currently the rotation is being to get here. Previously we had C-130s based group has come a long way since 2002 when manned by the 355th Fighter Squadron, in Uzbekistan who then subsequently moved the first four A-10s landed here after Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska., under the to Manas, Kyrgyzstan. In early January 2005, launching from Kuwait to fly sorties in command of Lt. Col. Quentin Rideout. The the 774th was officially activated here as a part support of Operation Anaconda. Since that A-10s are here to provide around-the-clock of the operations group. operation, there’s been a Close Air Support to They’re comprised of members of constant presence of Air U.S. and Coalition several different ANG squadrons; what we Force aircraft here. While ground forces. sometimes call a rainbow unit. Bringing our A-10s have been An often aircraft and people from several different units present from the unnoticed, yet critical, for a rotation presents unique challenges for beginning, we’ve steadily member of the team is both operations and maintenance, but the added different types of our Expeditionary 774th is making it look easy. aircraft to ensure we Aeromedical That’s a thumbnail sketch of our accomplish the missions Evacuation Squadron. operations group. I would like you to walk assigned. With that in Lt. Col. David Sullivan, away remembering three things. First, this mind, here’s a quick EAES commander, leads isn’t just an Air Force show. We can’t get the rundown of the units the group from the job done here without our Navy brethren, within the group. Wyoming Air National and they do it very, very well. Second, this is For those unfamiliar Guard. If a wounded or truly a total force operation. with Bagram and our seriously ill Beyond the ANG makeup of the th missions here, you might Colonel Johnson servicemember requires 774 there are Reservists and Guardsmen be surprised to find a Navy a medical evacuation serving throughout the wing. Finally, the squadron present on the ramp. Cmdr. Chuck out of the region, the professionals of our 455th EOG is a support organization. Winter, VAQ-133 commands the “Wizards,” EAES will care for him throughout the There are Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, based out of Whidbey Island Naval Air journey. We all hope we don’t need them but Airmen and our Coalition partners who Station, Wash. They fly the EA-6B Prowler if we do, we’re thankful they are part of our work and live in harm’s way and in Electronic Attack aircraft. team. As a part of ongoing evaluations of amazingly isolated locations. It’s the Members of the 41st Expeditionary manning requirements in Central Air Force’s exceptional privilege of the 455th EOG’s Electronic Combat Squadron perform a region, the EAES will downsize somewhat in to provide maximum support to them any similar mission with their EC-130. Although the next couple of months. However, the way we can. This newspaper is an authorized publication for Airmen Bagram Bullet and Sailors deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Editorial Staff, Disclaimer Contents of the Bagram Bullet are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Brig. Gen. Bruce Burda ….…......……..…. Commander, 455th AEW the Department of Defense. The editorial content is edited, Maj. Eric Elliott ………….........................… Chief, Public Affairs prepared and provided by the 455th Air Expeditionary Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente ….....… Editor/NCOIC, Public Affairs Wing Public Affairs office. 3 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006 First sergeant reminds Airmen Brief Bullets IG complaints to remember their wingmen Col. John R. Buckingham, 455th Air Expe- ditionary Wing vice commander, was recently ap- By Master Sgt. William C. Hall if this environment doesn’t dictate pointed as the Inspector General local liaison. 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron that, I don’t know of any that do. Personnel wishing to file an IG complaint For you seasoned veterans, the first sergeant may do so at any level without the fear of reprisal. responsibility is on you to set the Airmen wishing to contact the IG liaison tone and example for your younger may call 231-4037. For guidance on proper filing First sergeants - some say we troops. Don’t just be a supervisor; procedures and policy, members should refer to Air are everywhere; some say we are be that person who listens to your Force Instruction, Inspector General Complaints not. One thing for sure is we are troops’ concerns and acts on their Resolution, 90-301. busy tending to the needs of our behalf. You too were a first-term people and their mission. Airman at one time. Look back to Mandatory Briefing Currently, there are seven first your first deployment. All Air Force personnel are required to attend sergeants and one command chief Remember all the uncertainties the Combat Orientation briefing within seven days of who are each responsible for the and apprehension you had? Your their arrival at Bagram Airfield. Briefings are held safety, well being and military troops need and deserve your 1300L Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Rec Tent. Two discipline for more than two wisdom and experience to help get briefings are scheduled for shift workers to attend hundred members of this air them through these times, both 0700L and 1630L Tuesday in the Rec Tent. operation at Bagram Airfield. ordinary and troubled. For you What does this mean to and for newcomers to this arena, ask, offer Bingo night you? First, it’s vital that as first help, lean forward and learn all you Services hosts bingo night1900L Fri- sergeants, we provide you with the can because with it will come days in the Rec Tent. For more information, basic needs you deserve -- personal and professional growth.

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