Grissom aircraft, personnel deploy for tanker support Published Sept. 6, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Reservists and aircraft from the 434th Air Refueling Wing are currently operating out of Andersen AFB, Guam during a month-long deployment as the lead unit of a theater support package. Air Force Reserve Command committed to four-month coverage of refueling support and the 434th ARW is the lead unit in the first rotation. The deployment, part of a joint chiefs of staff directive, calls for support in meeting increased air refueling requirements in the theater. "We'll provide refueling for bomber and cargo aircraft flying missions in the pacific theater," said Lt. Col. Gerry Conway, wing plans office. "We'll also fly Coronet missions refueling aircraft to and from the theater as directed by AMC." Crews will swap out mid-way during the deployment. The entire package includes aircraft and approximately 125 support personnel to help make the deployment run as smooth as possible. "The swapouts give more personnel an opportunity to participate," Colonel Conway said. "[Traditional] reservists will get an opportunity to deploy and we'll put them into an environment where they can practice what they have been drilling." "These deployments give our aircrews the opportunity to gain valuable experience operating in the challenging Pacific area of responsibility," said Lt. Col. Brian Dobbert, commander of one of the deployed rotations. "Since we have so many new members in the wing, it might be the first time for an individual to go through a mobility processing line for an actual deployment."
