23rd MXG heads to replace its fellow members

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Nearly 300 members of the 23rd Maintenance Group load a commercial aircraft as they leave for a six month deployment to Afghanistan March 14. The aircraft will make several stops before landing in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman) Hi-res

by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
23rd Wing Public Affairs

3/14/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Members of the 23rd Maintenance Group left more than 6 months ago on a deployment to Afghanistan where they serviced and maintained their aircraft in harm's way.

Those Airmen that didn't deploy then are now heading to Afghanistan to replace their sister flights.

The 23rd MXG deployed more than 300 people during their last major deployment at the end of 2010 and will almost match that by deploying more than 250 maintainers, crew chiefs and pilots.

"This is not our first rodeo and it won't be our last," said Master Sgt. William MacCarty 74th Aircraft Maintenance unit A-10C Thunderbolt II production superintendent. "The 23rd MXG is more than capable to accomplish the tasks it is given."

The 23rd MXG is made up of approximately 2,500 people with units currently deployed and geographically separated at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base.

"I volunteered for this deployment because all of these guys have amazing talents and their capabilities are endless," said Sergeant MacCarty. "I'm looking forward to relieving our sister flight so they can be back with their families after all this time."

For some of these members this is their first deployment. Airman 1st Class Aaron Freebern, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is one of those Airmen. This is his first deployment but he's not worried because he will do what he always does.

"This deployment is going to be nothing new we will keep the planes in the air just like always doing the same thing as we always do," said Airman Freebern. "Plus we get to deploy as a whole group so I will get to work alongside guys I know and have worked with."

This enthusiasm is what makes the 23rd MXG such a successful group of men and women. Every Airman on the job is critical and performance means everything.

"Manning is always an issue with any unit that is why we have to be really good at what we do," said 2nd Lt. Peter Kingsley, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron officer on charge. "We are able to do more with fewer guys and that makes this squadron so great."

This will also be Lieutenant Kingsley's first deployment but he is confident he and his fellow Airmen will do their best. Replacing their fellow maintainers to continue the fight.



MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Capt. Kyle Rykaczewski, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, reads a book as he flies with nearly 300 members of the 23rd Maintenance Group to a six month deployment in Afghanistan March 14. Many members listened to music, played movies and found other ways to pass the time during the long flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman) Hi-res

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