FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Eight Soldiers from the 597th Maintenance Company deployed from Fort Rucker April 27 as part of Special Repair Activity 17 in support of operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.

"These guys are air traffic control repairers," said Capt. Brad DeLoach, 597th commander. "If the air traffic control tactical radar system breaks they can fly into Iraq or Afghanistan and fix it."

"This is my second time being deployed," said Staff Sgt. Jason L. Brumfield, 597th Maint. Co. detachment commander. "I think it's harder this time because my children are older, but I think I am ready for it. It will be the same business as before. We will be supporting all the airfields in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan."

Families gathered to wish the Soldiers farewell before their deployment - some only being deployed six months, others one year.

"He just got back from 15 months of being deployed and he is now leaving for six months," said Bridgett Lester wife of Staff Sgt. Derek Lester. "It's hard, but it's the Army and it's his job. I work full time and have a child, so I plan to hang out with her and do my thing."

The 597th Maint. Co. has been continuously deployed since 1996, rotating Soldiers out every six months. Its specific mission is to run Air Traffic Services maintenance in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"They do it well and I expect no less from this group," said DeLoach.

Col. James R. Macklin Jr., ATSCOM and 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group commander, was present to see the Soldiers off and thanked them for their service and sacrifice.

"I know it's difficult, but we take pride and take care of the SRA downrange. It is an amazing thing what you do. I never had to worry about anything on ATS maintenance," Macklin said. "Your Families will be taken care of while you are gone, so don't worry. You are a big part of what we do."