Luke Chief on hand for Tuskegee commander's visit to Al Asad, Iraq

  • Published
  • By Capt Ken Hall and Master Sgt. Bryan Ripple
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary WIng Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- "For a brand new Air Expeditionary Group, from when you stood up in January until now, you've accomplished your mission in the proud and
professional manner that is your legacy as Tuskegee Airmen," said Brig. Gen. Robin Rand, commander of the famed 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing headquartered at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and former 56th Fighter Wing commander. 

The 438th Air Expedtionary Group superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Bryce Maxson had similar words of praise for the group's Airmen. "I couldn't be more proud of today's Airmen ... the dedication and enthusiasm they show daily in their service to our Nation continually amazes me," said the 24-year veteran deployed from the 56th Communications Squadron. 

The 438th Air Expeditionary Group was reactivated in January at Al Asad AB, Iraq, to provide close air support to Coalition Forces in the region. With the addition of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the 332nd AEW now has five primary aircraft in its inventory including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10, C-130 Hercules, MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle, and HH-60 Pave Hawk combat search and rescue helicopter. The addition of the "Warthog," as the A-10 is commonly called, has increased the wing's role in providing precision weapons and sensors employment against Anti-Iraqi Forces. 

In his second visit since the group stood up, the general and his command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff, former 56th Fighter Wing command chief, met with the base's commanding general, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Timothy Hanifen, to solidify joint cooperation at Al Asad and with Airmen here conducting Airmen's Calls and touring facilities and missions, noting the many improvements the group has made. 

Capitalizing on the opportunity the general's visit provided, the 438th AEG presented a historic mural honoring the wing's namesake Tuskegee Airmen. The general took the same opportunity to present his commander's coin to the mural's artists, Staff Sgt. Bryon Jones and Senior Airman Eric Justice, who spent more than 40 off-duty hours over three weeks to complete the project. 

"You've all truly impressed me," the general said. "As this AEF rotation begins to come to a close, no one is going to remember how you started -- rather, they'll remember how you finished -- so finish strong, don't be complacent, and continue to fulfill your responsibilities to completing the mission." 

The group's squadron of A-10 aircraft has completed more than 800 combat sorties since its reactivation.
 
"Don't let this opportunity pass you by," General Rand said. "When you go home, tell your story. And someday when you have grandkids, tell them your story. History will show that a very small fraction of Americans have served here in combat in Iraq, and you're part of it."