133RD AIRLIFT WING RETURNS SAFELY FROM HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF SUPPORT

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ann Todd
  • 133rd Airlift Wing
Minneapolis St. Paul Air Guard Base --  53 Airmen from The Minnesota Air National Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing returned safely January 30, 2010, from a two week deployment to Puerto Rico where they flew 39 sorties in support of Operation Unified Response.

Two of the Wing's C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, along with crews and support staff, originally headed to Puerto Rico January 16, 2010, to provide logistical support to United States Southern Command's Operation Coronet Oak. Upon arrival in Puerto Rico, 133rd aircrews were immediately placed on alert for Haitian earthquake relief operations and began ongoing missions in support of the massive disaster response.

During the deployment, the C-130 crews flew relief missions into Haiti and the Dominican Republic, hauling passengers and much needed water, equipment and other critical supplies totaling over 161 tons. "This was a unique and challenging deployment," said Lt. Col. Jim Bixby, mission commander for the deployed personnel.

In 2009, the Twin Cities-based 133rd Airlift Wing deployed more than 700 Airmen to 16 countries in support of U.S. operations worldwide.

For more information on the 133rd Airlift Wing visit www.133aw.ang.af.mil.

For more information on the Minnesota National Guard visit www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: 133rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs at
612-713-2435 or 612-713-2410.