First deployment: Airman supports OEF, OFS

Published June 24, 2015
By Master Sgt. Mark Olsen
108th Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - -- In a person's life there will be the first time you ride a bicycle, or the first time you drive a car without your parent riding shotgun, and of course, your first kiss.

The military is no different, except the most significant first is your first deployment.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Senior Airman David G. Abreu, 108th Wing hydraulic mechanic. "I'm a little anxious, excited and nervous; it's a mix of emotions."

For his role in the operation, Abreu is responsible for everything on the KC-135R Stratotanker that deals with hydraulic and pneumatic systems, especially the boom. The KC-135R, which can carry up to 200,000 pounds of fuel, uses the boom to transfer fuel to U.S. and coalition aircraft. The mid-air refueling gives fighters and bombers longer reach on combat missions.

"The boom is exclusively the hydraulic shop's responsibility," said Abreu. "It's what makes this aircraft special."

When news of his unit's deployment first came out, everyone in his shop wanted to go.

For the 108th Wing hydraulic mechanic, deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom's Sentinel, gives him the opportunity to put his skills to the test in a combat environment.

"I was told 'just be ready to do the job and do it right,'" said Abreu.

Operation Freedom's Sentinel is the new United States military mission in support of operations in Afghanistan and is the United States' part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission. This particular deployment will also include support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the all-encompassing war on terrorism operation in the CENTCOM AOR.

Abreu will not be alone for his first deployment. More than 140 Airmen will be deploying in and out of the AOR in support of Freedom's Sentinel during the summer.