110th Airlift Wing airmen return home

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) - Twenty-six airmen from the 110th Airlift Wing's 217th Air Operations Group returned home Thursday after a month-long deployment with U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa in support of French stabilization efforts in Mali.  

The airmen served at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

"Our close relationship with USAFE-AFAFRICA allows us to integrate immediately into the battle rhythm with no spin up," said 217th Commander Col. Sean Southworth. "We already know our teammates, so we just pick right back up where we left off and get the job done."

Within three days of receiving the mission, the 217th deployed 10% of its members for rapid augmentation into the active duty force.  

Based in Battle Creek, the 217th is U.S. Africa Command's only assigned Air Force unit and provides direct, integrated support to USAFE-AFAFRICA headquarters, located at Ramstein. The 217th's members are planners, directors and coordinators. They organize and control the movement and use of Air Force aircraft, equipment and personnel.  

The 217th has an authorized strength of 250 traditional and full-time airmen. From its standup as a unit on April 1, 2009, the 217th has provided support for seven unified combatant commanders around the globe. On average, the 217th deploys 178 members a year.

Previous missions included Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya in 2011, and several exercises and training events during 2012, including support for operations in Libya after the attack on the U.S. consulate in September 2012.  In addition, the 217th maintains regular rotations to assist USAFE-AFAFRICA's ongoing requirements.