PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - An Air National Guard aircrew flying an Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules transported about 10 Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division and critical satellite communication equipment Jan. 27 to earthquake-ravaged Haiti.
The Minnesota Air National Guard aircrew from the 133rd Airlift Wing and the C-130, operating out of Muniz Air Base, Puerto Rico, flew overnight to Pope Air Force Base, N.C., where they picked up and transported the Soldiers and their vital equipment. The Airborne Soldiers, among other missions, are expected to provide additional airport security for operations here at Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince.
"I knew the U.S. would have some part in helping and I was excited not only because I've never been to Haiti, but because I would be able to help in any way I could," said Spec. Julian Johnson, a military policeman deploying with the 82nd Airborne's 31st Battalion, 65th Military Police Company. "And I thought, maybe I could save a life or two."
The Soldiers will also be providing various support to cleanup operations that have been taking place. Specialist Johnson, a native of Detroit, said his unit's missions could vary between handing out food and aid at distribution points to providing security for other Army units on the ground to even search and rescue operations for Haitians that may still be trapped under the rubble from one of that nation's worst natural disasters in 100 years.
Satellite communication equipment also airlifted to Haiti will be used to provide an additional communication link for the Army to the outside world.
The Soldiers and their equipment were flown into Haiti by deployed Airmen of the 133rd AW. Those Airmen are part of a group of 50 Airmen deployed from Minnesota to Puerto Rico in support of continued relief operations.
"(Haiti relief) ranks right up as one of the top operations I've supported," said Capt. Jon Deck, a pilot with the 133rd AW. "Most operations [you support] you get some sort of personal reward. Helping out Haiti gives you a great sense of accomplishment knowing you're helping to make a difference."
The deployment to Puerto Rico is part of a previously-scheduled assignment to Muniz Air Base as part of Air Expeditionary Force Coronet Oak. AEF Coronet Oak traditionally provides rapid-response airlift to missions requested by the U.S. Southern Command.
Coronet Oak is directed and controlled by the 35th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Muniz Air Base near San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Since the Jan. 12 earthquake, both Air Force Reservists and Air National Guardsmen deployed to Muniz have flown into Haiti delivering needed supplies and airlifting out evacuees in need of medical treatment.
While his family was worried about him deploying, Specialist Johnson said overall they were proud of him wanting to support Haiti relief operations.
"I am a U.S. Soldier," he said. "I fight for my country when it's needed and will defend everyone in it. But I also have the ability to save lives of others and can be deployed to another country to help its inhabitants rather than be combative towards them. I love my job and I love my country, but most of all I love helping people and I'm glad to be given the opportunity to help the people of Haiti."
To date, the 35th EAS has flown more than 246 hours, completed 41 missions, moved more than 357 tons of cargo and airlifted 141 evacuees in support of Haiti relief operations.