Navy Mobile Air Cargo Handlers Return Home (Happy Sailors Come Home)

Defend America News ^ | Oct 4, 2005 | Navy Lt. Karin R. Burzynski

[SandRat]

NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 3, 2005 — Twenty-four Navy reservists from the Springfield, Mo., Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center returned from the Middle East Sept. 28 after fulfilling a combat service support mission in Iraq and Kuwait. The sailors were mobilized by the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force in Williamsburg, Va., in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as members of the Mobile Air Cargo Handling team, which augmented Marines at key hubs to facilitate intra-theater distribution of aviation material.

"Your hard work and diligence ensured accurate delivery of aviation parts with on-time service, allowing maintainers to continue the hard work of keeping aircraft in the air day and night."

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Hank Tomlin

During their successful six-month deployment, they tracked, received and shipped nearly 100,000 pieces of critical aviation gear, with a cumulative total of almost 25,000 tons.

Leading the Mobile Air Cargo Handling team was Ellington, Mo., resident Cmdr. Joseph Strenfel, who said he was extremely proud of the quality and quantity of work his team provided in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"The success of our mission with the Marines was based on the leadership of the Marines, who truly appreciated the work the [Mobile Air Cargo Handling] team did for them," Strenfel said.

"The Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron we supported maintained extraordinary readiness rates," Strenfel added. "Their high readiness rates meant that we were moving parts fast enough. I am truly proud of each and every one of the [Mobile Air Cargo Handling] team members for what they've done."

Upon their arrival at Norfolk International Airport, the team members were welcomed home by Rear Adm. Hank Tomlin, commander, Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force.

"Your hard work and diligence ensured accurate delivery of aviation parts with on-time service, allowing maintainers to continue the hard work of keeping aircraft in the air day and night," Tomlin said, adding, "Be sure and thank your families and employers for the sacrifice that they have endured during your absence. They, too, are patriots."

Despite the long journey home, the team members were visibly happy to be back on U.S. soil.

All 24 Reservists are processing off active duty and will return to their homes next.

Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force is an operational force of the Navy's U.S. Fleet Forces Command organized and staffed to deliver expeditionary logistics capabilities with mobilization-ready Navy Reserve Force sailors and equipment to theater commanders in support of the national military strategy. The command supports more than 4,000 Navy Reservists located throughout the United States, encompassing more than 90 percent of the U.S. Navy's Supply and Transportation Expeditionary Units.

[SandRat]

WOO-HOO!!!!

[Calpernia]

Twenty-four Navy reservists from the Springfield, Mo., Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center returned from the Middle East Sept. 28 after fulfilling a combat service support mission in Iraq and Kuwait. The sailors were mobilized by the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force in Williamsburg, Va., in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as members of the Mobile Air Cargo Handling team, which augmented Marines at key hubs to facilitate intra-theater distribution of aviation material.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT