News

McChord Reserve Squadron demobilizes after one year

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing
Approximately 150 Air Force reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing are being deactivated Oct. 25 after one year of supporting airlift missions for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

“The 313th reservists did a fantastic job,” said Lt. Col. Michael Keenan, 313th Airlift Squadron commander. “This was a motivated group of people who did it all safely and completely.”

The 313th Airlift Squadron contributed more than 10,000 total flying hours, with 5,500 combat hours flown. They delivered more than 90 million pounds of cargo and 32,000 troops within the last year.

“Simply put, we had an incredible year during our activation,” said Maj. Mark Boyd, the 313 AS director of operations. “Our crews moved the mission and did it safely. In fact, our squadron members garnered praise wherever they went.”

To help squadron members switch gears and head back into civilian life, McChord AFB has several programs in place to get the Reservists through the transition. Details of the demobilization schedule are subject to change, however Airmen will receive briefings Oct. 24-28, covering topics such as medical, pay, family support and employer issues.

While the demobilization process starts this month, the squadron will not officially demobilize until Nov. 30, according to Major Boyd.
“You start the process 30 to 45 days out to give everyone ample time to take care of administrative issues, medical, ground training and just to prepare for returning to life as a traditional Reservist,” said Major Boyd. “And it’s not just a paperwork shuffle, during the entire demobilization process, the mission must still be supported.”

During that time, Airmen may still be flying missions, and completing required training. However, the programs allow enough time for everyone to get everything taken care of. Additionally, Airmen must be given the opportunity use the leave they have accumulated over the past year.

“The program helps us ease back into our civilian lives and transition from full-time Reservists back to part-time,” said Colonel Keenan. “However, what has helped us the most is the tremendous support from our civilian employers and families. They had to make huge sacrifices for us during the last year.”