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615th CRW deploys Contingency Response Element to Basra

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  • By 615th Contingency Response Wing-Contingency Response Element
BASRA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Iraq --  Nearly 50 members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing are deployed here in support of coalition and joint operations. 

The mission of this 615th CRW-Contingency Response Element is to support the transition from British Forces to U.S. responsibility of airfield terminal operations as the British withdraw from Basra. 

The formal transition of responsibility occurred March 31 when Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, Multi-National - South commander, assumed responsibility from the commander of MND - Southeast, British Maj. Gen. Andy Salmon. 

The 615th CRW-CRE has already supported the Iraqi Air Force, British Forces, Special Operations teams, U.S. Army, independent contractors and Air Mobility Command missions since their arrival. 

"This mission has been outstanding because of the unique and rewarding opportunity to work with our proactive and knowledgeable joint and coalition partners," said Tech. Sgt. Brad Ferda, 615th CRW-CRE aerial port specialist. 

Basra International Airport is critical to Operation Iraqi Freedom because it is a major supply location for coalition forces in southern Iraq. 

"The 615th CRW unit has been a welcome addition to the Basra coalition team," explained Staff Sgt. Michael Bass, U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Divisions Headquarters Company. "They have also been instrumental to the successful movement of the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters into Basra." 

The British Forces have been very supportive of our Contingency Response Element, added Lt. Col. John Howard, a 615th CRW-CRE commander. They have embraced the U.S. military members' presence. 

"Together we do what needs to be done to complete the task," said Warrant Officer Chez Cherry, British Joint Movements Unit. "It doesn't matter if it is a British or American requirement; we all take pride in making this a 'can-do' trade!" 

The 615th CRW has played an important role in U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility operations, including a recent Joint Assessment Team mission to evaluate airfields in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

For some members of the element, this is also their first operational deployment. 

I appreciate the training I've received that prepares me to work in a combat environment, explained Staff Sgt. Tony Barattini, 615th CRW-CRE communications technician. 

The Airmen of this element not only take pride in successfully implementing training they receive while at home station, but also in supporting joint and coalition operations in Basra. 

Staff Sgt. Tyleshea Day, 615th CRW-CRE personnelist added, "I enjoy seeing the direct support we are providing to the warfighter."