From Combat to Humanitarian

The airmen who diverted to support recent flood relief operations in Ethiopia was a combination effort all the way, with the aircrew getting direct loading/unloading help from assigned security forces airmen and running repairs by maintainers, reports Air Force journalist Maj. Ann Knabe. Six aircrew members from Dyess AFB, Tex., shifted from Southwest Asia to support Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, ferrying 98.9 tons of relief supplies over four days and 15 sorties. Three Security Forces airmen assigned to protect the crew and aircraft pitched in to carry water jugs, medical supplies, or whatever the aircrew needed to get the aircraft back in the air. Maintainers worked to fix engines, change tires, and more to get the aircraft ready for the next flights.