22nd LRS lauded for OIF support

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amanda Currier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Defense Energy Support Center representatives from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, visited McConnell Nov. 3 to thank 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron members for their role in helping DESC support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

DESC's mission is to keep military balloons afloat in the Middle East.

People probably don't think of the military when they think about balloons, but the U.S. military has used balloons on the battlefield since the Civil War.
Today, the American military uses aerostat, or anchored, balloons in its area of responsibility in the Middle East for the same reason it did in the 1800s - reconnaissance.

Aerostat balloons are large and blimp like and equipped with electronic sensor devices that allow DESC members to monitor terrorist activity and communicate real-time findings to servicemembers on the battle field.

"The aerostats are very effective as far as force protection goes, and they allow us see and monitor areas electronically - instead of sending Soldiers out into danger to guard for terrorists," said Andres Avila, a DESC traffic management specialist. "It has been noted, when the balloons come down for maintenance, terrorist activity goes up."

Members of the 22nd LRS secured and loaded 47 trailers full of helium canisters onto C-17 aircraft, supporting 16 missions, between July 2005 and November to aid DESC's role in OIF.

"This was no small feat considering each trailer averages 40 feet long, weighs as much as 45,000 pounds and is filled to the brim with hazardous material," said Robert Gloria, DESC traffic management specialist.

Before DESC enlisted the assistance of the 22nd LRS, it transported helium to the AOR on trucks and barges. Now the DESC loads helium canisters onto trailers that fit inside C-17 aircraft and are much more efficient for transportation.

"Before, it took us two-to-four weeks to meet our customers' helium requirements," Mr. Avila said. "Now three trailers full of helium can be loaded onto a C-17 aircraft at a time, which means they are transported much more efficiently and reach our customers in two-to-four days vs. two-to-four weeks.

"The 22nd LRS has played a key roll in our success in supporting our customers in the Middle East. We have been able to successfully provide our customers with the helium they need. Countless lives are being saved through this effort."

The 22nd LRS plans to continue its partnership with DESC to transport helium to the Middle East.

"It's a huge team effort to ensure our people are getting the best protection possible over there," said Lt. Col. Tony Marlowe, 22nd LRS commander. "We are saving lives."