Another Deployment for the 107th

Niagara Falls Reserve Station -- 107th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard deploys to Southwest Asia for the second time in two years. More than 100 Airmen, from aircraft maintenance and operations squadrons, said good bye to their families and friends this past week. The group is scheduled to be deployed for next several months. The C-130 was loaded with supplies and equipment and the transport of airmen is scheduled to take two days. Upon arrival into the Area of Responsibility (AOR) the mission is to transport personnel, cargo and conduct medical evacuations. The mission is in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

"Thank you all for stepping up again on this deployment and always doing the good job you do" said Colonel John Higgins, 107th Airlift Wing Commander.

The 107th has an impressive history of providing support for various Federal & State contingencies. Over the past two years, members they have been involved in state relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy, Irene and Lee. They were also involved heavily in Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti and continuing support of OEF.

The C-130H2 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the Air Force's airlift mission. It is capable of operating from rough dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping cargo into hostile area.

"This is what I love to do", said Tech Sgt. Anthony Re, 107th C-130 Crew Chief. "This is like the Super Bowl of aircraft maintenance. We train daily for this and now it's time to step up and get the job done."

In 2005, the 107th and 914th Airlift Wings became the first team to form a tactical airlift Air Reserve Component (ARC) Association between state and federal commands. Team Niagara works together in this association to maintain fly ability of the C-130 H2 aircraft.