FORT RUCKER, Ala. (December 1, 2011) -- Prior to boarding buses in February on their way to a yearlong deployment, the 1-58th Airfield Operation Battalion executive officer looked the Soldiers in the eyes and asked them if they were ready.
"They replied with, 'Yes, ma'am, I'm ready to go -- send me,'" said Maj. Sherri Sharpe, unit XO.
More than 60 members of the 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion continue to walk the walk after being deployed in the Middle East for the past eight months.
Conducting split-based operations throughout Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, Sharpe said the unit is a vital component to both Operation New Dawn and continuing operations in Operation Enduring Freedom, providing much-needed air traffic control and airfield management services in the theater.
"The 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion is proud to represent the Fort Rucker community in this historic time," she said. "We are proud to help usher our brothers and sisters in arms out of Iraq, but above all else, we cannot wait to come home to the friends, Families and local businesses that have done so much to support us during this last year.
"Our Soldiers were responsible for running Liberty Tower and Baghdad Radio in Baghdad; the Ground Controlled Approach Radar in Taji, Iraq; Tarin Kowt Tower in Afghanistan; and for the management of Udairi Army Airfield in Kuwait," Sharpe said.
Highlights of the deployment so far include: establishing a ground controlled approach radio in Taji; operating Liberty Tower to ensure the safe completion of more than 30,000 aircraft movements and transport of some 23,000 servicemembers and contractors; operating Baghdad Radio, which facilitated almost 90,000 safe aircraft movements for American, allied and civilian aircraft; and the airfield management element working tirelessly over the last eight months to improve and expand the airfield support structures and communications capabilities prior to the reposturing of U.S. forces into Kuwait, she said.
Currently, the unit is providing contract oversight and services to numerous Aviation forces under the 77th Theater Aviation Brigade and the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade in support of Operation New Dawn, Sharpe added.
She said the Fort Rucker Soldiers have faced many of the same challenges faced by all servicemembers deployed over the past 10 years.
"Communications have come a long way in the last decade, but no amount of email, Internet access or phone chats can take the place of holding your loved ones close or watching your children grow up," she said. "But a unit is a like a Family, and we are there for one another to share the good days and the bad together."
Living conditions have greatly improved for deployed troops over the years and Army Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation provides numerous outlets for sports, games, and works with the United Services Organization to bring entertainment to the troops, Sharpe said.
"So, we take it a day at a time until we can be home again," she said.
That philosophy seems to work, as the unit continues to get the job done while keeping spirits high.
"Morale and motivation have been high throughout our deployment," she said. "MWR sports, (sporting events) streaming live, various sporting tournaments and evenings by the grill go a long way in keeping Soldiers spirits up."
Sharpe expects that trend to continue through the upcoming holidays, and plans to ramp up the entertainment with the help of the 1-58th AOB Family Readiness Group providing a taste of home.
"The USO and MWR have several concerts lined up over the next few weeks and lots of units are planning their own special meals, which our Soldiers will participate in as well," she said. "Our FRG is preparing Christmas stockings for the Soldiers and we plan to decorate our Christmas tree with them over the Internet at the same time. We are also preparing a holiday DVD of our adventures here for our loved ones back home -- a chance to give to those we miss and to receive a few extra treats as well -- a win-win!"
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