Delaware Air Guard Deploys to U.S. Central Command

NEW CASTLE, Del. - Airmen and C-130H3 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 166th Airlift Wing departed New Castle Air National Guard Base Sept. 22-23, deploying in support of U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, operations in the Middle East.

The departures included about 100 Airmen deploying as part of a Mission Generation Force Element, or MGFE, an integrated team of aircrew, operations and maintenance personnel that trains and deploys together to generate airlift missions wherever needed. About 160 more members from across the wing are scheduled to deploy in this cycle to provide critical operational, logistics and maintenance support downrange.

Before boarding the C-130H3 aircraft, Airmen shared warm goodbyes with families, friends and fellow Guard members who gathered along the flightline to see them off.

Operating under the Air Force Force Generation, or AFFORGEN, model, the deployment demonstrates a shift from individual tasking to pre-certified, cohesive force elements. By preparing as a unit at home station, the 166th Airlift Wing's MGFE arrives in theater ready to immediately generate tactical airlift, cargo transport and personnel movement across the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

The deploying personnel are scheduled for a multi-month rotation delivering tactical airlift capabilities and supporting regional security initiatives alongside joint and coalition partners.