March reservists refuel skies over Turkey

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David K. Flaherty
  • 452 AMW/PA
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  March Air Reserve Base Airmen are currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The 336th Air Refueling Squadron, members of the 452nd Maintenance Group and various other members of the wing went to Turkey as an air refueling aviation package. 

The mission of the deployment was to make sure the KC-135 Stratotankers arrived safe and on time at their refueling destinations. 

"We directly support the war fighter on the ground," said Lt. Col. Mary E. Aldrian, commander of the 336th ARS. "By providing air refueling to cargo aircraft that are flying supplies and personnel into the area of responsibility, we allow cargo planes to get to locations without the extra stop for fuel." 

Approximately 70 Airmen from the 452nd Maintenance Group deployed as part of the contingent. 

"[They] did an outstanding job of ensuring our tankers were ready to go," said Colonel Cam LeBlanc, 452nd Maintenance Group commander. "Our maintainers did a great job launching our jets, with a maintenance departure reliability rate over 95%, considering our supply kit with the block 40 unique parts did not get there until mid rotation." 

March ARB was tasked with 38 days of a four-month AEF deployment. The 38 days were then split in half for 19-day deployments that March Airmen are performing. 

During the month of August, the 336th ARS helped fuel over 60 aircraft and off-loaded more than four million pounds of fuel in the airspace above Turkey. 

In addition to saving time, air refueling can help save lives by keeping people out of harm's way. Since ground refueling makes it necessary to truck fuel into hazardous locations, additional people are put at risk on the ground, said Colonel Aldrian. Air refueling enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its mission of global reach. 

Tech. Sgt. Erin S. Brotsch, 336th March reservists refuel skies over Turkey ARS in-flight refueler, just returned home from Turkey. A prior pharmacist technician, Sergeant Brotsch said she cross-trained into in-flight refueling so she could see the world. Since cross training, Sergeant Brotsch has deployed several times, making this her second deployment to Turkey. 

"For the mission, we were making sure the planes got to where they were going," said Sergeant Brotsch. "Whenever you log combat support time, it feels good. I'm looking forward to our next deployment and I'll be happy to go again." 

With both the operations and maintenance personnel working together, the deployment allowed March ARB to again support current global operations. "When our folks go out on the road, (Ops and Maintenance) for a deployment and get the job done like they have, it's a beautiful thing to see," said Colonel LeBlanc.