SOUTHWEST ASIA –
An Air Force team, filling Joint Expeditionary Taskings, recently observed their unit's 4-year anniversary at a forward-deployed U.S. Army base here. Airmen from the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, affectionately known as "Combat Truckers", are charged with moving cargo within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
Originally activated Jan. 9, 2006, the 586th ELRS was tasked with three distinct missions carried out by four detachments; two medium truck detachments to move cargo, a movement control team to manage the cargo yards, and a fuels detachment.
Currently, the unit is comprised of more than 300 Airmen from nine Air Force specialties, deployed in the nontraditional JET roles and focused exclusively on the line-haul trucking mission.
"When the squadron first stood-up, we had a movement control team, fuels detachment, and convoy escort teams comprised of Air Force vehicle operators and security forces personnel," said Master Sgt. Charles Mann, a 586th ELRS element leader deployed from Hurlburt Field, Fla. "Now, we rely on the Army to perform the escort role."
The MCT and fuels missions have been eliminated or absorbed by other units, he said. Airmen from the 70th Medium Truck Detachment and the 424th MTD perform the line haul missions; they are the only remaining portions of the original squadron.
"The 70th and 424th (MTDs) continue the mission as the Scorpion and Centurion Combat Logistics Flights, respectively," said Lt. Col. David Barna, 586th ELRS commander, deployed from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. "We provide 16 combat logistics patrols, vehicle maintenance, and support functions for Joint Logistics Task Force 57, which has tactical control of the 586th ELRS."
Each mission is comprised of Airmen operating up-armored tractor trailers along with 25 to 30 contracted trucks and drivers carrying unit and sustainment cargo throughout Iraq and Southwest Asia in support of OIF and OEF.
"Airmen of the 586th ELRS move critical cargo between strategic transportation nodes or between strategic nodes and forward operating areas, enabling the sustainment of frontline forces in Iraq," said Colonel Barna.
Since the squadron's activation, 586th ELRS Airmen have logged nearly 3,000 missions covering more than 69 million command miles and earning multiple JLTF-57 'High-Miler' awards, said the unit's commander. "Along the way, our Airmen have sustained more than 325 attacks from small arms, improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars."
The squadron continues to honor the memory of three courageous Airmen killed in action while performing this dangerous mission. "Tech. Sgt. Jason Norton and Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy were both killed in January 2006, and Airman 1st Class Eric Barnes was killed in June 2007," said 1st Lt. Sam Thurmond, Scorpion Flight commander, deployed from Keesler AFB, Miss.
As part of the responsible drawdown of operations in Iraq, the squadron is currently supporting the transition from counterinsurgency to security and stability operations there.
"Previously, the 586th ELRS' mission was focused on the deployment, redeployment and sustainment of forces in Iraq," said Col. Jorge Acevedo, 586th Air Expeditionary Group commander, deployed from Langley AFB, Va. "However, as part of the largest drawdown in modern military history, these Airmen are moving a lot of equipment staged for possible redeployment in support of OEF."