143d Airlift Wing Airmen Return from Deployment in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt Janeen Miller
  • 143 AW

North Kingstown, RI – Over 100 Airmen and several C-130J aircraft from the 143d Airlift Wing returned to Quonset Air National Guard Base from a deployment to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Family, friends and fellow guardsmen greeted the Airmen as they returned over the course of four days.

The deployed Airmen included personnel from a cross-section of operational, support and maintenance specialties. While deployed, the Airmen supported the air mobility operations of rapid, global mobility and sustainment of the combat capability of America’s armed forces including humanitarian efforts, troop movements and supply missions. Members of the 143d Airlift Wing team also played a significant role in flying two C-130 Hercules aircraft into Qayyarah West Airfield, Iraq. These aircraft were the first coalition aircraft to land on the airfield since the start of Operation Inherent Resolve.

“We are thrilled to welcome our Rhody Airmen safely back home after yet another star performance,” said Colonel Daniel Walter, 143d Airlift Wing Commander, “Having been in the thick of  the tactical airlift operations in-theater once again, they just keep proving there's not a more skilled team anywhere.”

The Rhode Island National Guard welcomes these Airmen home to their family and friends just in time for the holidays and thanks them for their continued hard work and dedication.