4th MSG: Indispensable to the fight

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Jenna Mirandette
  • 4th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports center
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Lately, if you have noticed customer service at Seymour Johnson is not instantaneous, it is probably because many members of the 4th Mission Support Group are deployed.

Many people may not understand what the 1,850 military and civilian personnel of the 4th MSG bring to the fight. These professionals work behind the scenes at home station and in the area of responsibility. The 4th MSG deployed nearly 500 active duty members from August 2009 through January 2010.

Defenders

The 4th Security Forces Squadron alone deployed more than 30 percent of its defenders in the past six months.

"Our deployments are currently six months on and six months off, which is shortened to about four months at home if you count training en route," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Abendschoen, 4th SFS unit deployment manager. "Add in days when we have to pull members in for weapons firing and other training and you really don't have much time off; but we have a good support system."

He also explained missions outside of the wire, with the risk of improvised explosive devices and other threats, add to the stress on defenders and their families who anxiously await their return.

Engineers

The 4th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen also deploy for six months at a time, with only six months off upon return.

Master Sgt. Robbie Padgett, 4th CES infrastructure support superintendent, deployed for 189 days to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, where his team provided emergency response services, fire protection, electricity and running water. They built or renovated facilities to beddown more than 1,200 personnel and also provided support to more than 280,000 coalition forces transitioning to and from Afghanistan during the past year.

"The toughest challenge of the deployment was adapting and maintaining the highest quality of support for a constantly changing mission," Padgett said. "Flexibility was key."

Airman 1st Class Megan Pohlman, 4th CES assistant UDM, maintained a positive attitude during her six-month deployment to Manas AB.

"I really enjoyed being deployed," she said. "There was a deeper sense of camaraderie, which made any type of work more enjoyable."

Contractors

While some MSG deployers focus on security and beddown support in the AOR, others focus on negotiating the purchase of goods and services.

Capt. Bruce Hebert, 4th Contracting Squadron base operations support flight officer in charge, noticed a significant difference between the 4th CONS mission while deployed versus at home station when he provided contracting support in Pakistan for six months.

"In the AOR, the majority of my purchases were cash and carry transactions made downtown, so we were able to immerse ourselves into the local culture," he said. "Here at home, we'll typically never leave our office during an entire procurement."

Staff Sgt. Ian Buschmann 4th CONS contract administrator, also noticed how the unit's mission changed in the AOR when he deployed for 194 days and oversaw a $3.2 billion-dollar contract.

"I had much more freedom to operate and much more responsibility on my shoulders," Buschmann said. "You can see the effects of what you do every day."

Staying connected

Other units in the MSG are also indispensable to the fight. Members of the 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron refuel planes and vehicles, transport supplies and equipment, carry out dangerous convoy duties and provide mechanical expertise. The 4th Communications Squadron provides many capabilities, such as framework for internet connections and phone support to ensure the quick and clear communication of information. Finally, the 4th Force Support Squadron ensures personnel accountability and provides for basic needs like food, lodging, fitness and recreation, which is appreciated when active duty members spend the holidays away from their families.

The tireless efforts of the 4th MSG warriors are vital to the success of the Air Force mission. Their knowledge, expertise and commitment ensure the sustainment of the flying mission. So the next time you see an F-15E Strike Eagle at Seymour Johnson, think of the hundreds of men and women who ensure the generation and success of that aircraft.