LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Nearly 100 Citizen Airmen from the 913th Airlift Group here deployed Jan. 8 to various bases in Southwest Asia to support Operations Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO’s Resolute Support. The deployed group consists of 327th Airlift Squadron, 913th Maintenance Squadron, and is augmented by members of the 403rd Wing and active duty personnel from the 19th Airlift Wing.
For the next few months, the group will provide C-130J combat airlift capabilities across the deployed theater. This first deployment for this Air Force Reserve group fulfills its mission to provide combat ready tactical airlift and support resources worldwide.
“This is a true Total Force effort,” said Col. Christopher Lay, 913th AG commander. “Since day one we have worked alongside our active duty counterparts. Now we are able to jump into the fight; providing strategic depth and operational capability for the Joint Force.”
After converting to the classic association with the 19th AW in 2017, the 913th AG became a combat coded C-130J unit. Throughout the year, the 913th AG partnered with various reserve and active duty combat airlift units to synergize training and exercise events.
"This deployment is the culmination of the 913th overcoming many challenges in its short history here at Little Rock AFB," said Col. Anthony Brusca, 913th AG deputy commander. "The folks who are deploying have persevered through multiple unit mission changes, several Associations with various organizations at this base, manning document restructurings, and even a weapon system conversion. This deployment speaks volumes to their tenacity to get the mission done."
During the year, the 913th AG trained approximately 500 airmen for worldwide deployments, successfully participated in four major exercises and deployed 39 individual airmen to support combatant commanders across the globe.