There I was ... Published March 17, 2011 By Master Sgt. Christopher Yevchak 6th Operations Support Squadron MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- There I was answering my nation's call, in-processing at a base in Southwest Asia starting the sixth deployment of my 15 year Air Force career. Even though I had done this many times before, I was excited about the opportunity to apply everything that I had been trained for, and to do my part. This deployment would be different, because I wouldn't be controlling aircraft, or managing a air traffic control (ATC) facility. This time, my responsibilities would be far greater. I would be given opportunities to travel throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, be part of events, oversee training and standardization, and oversee air traffic control operations in operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn that I never encountered in the past. Professionally, I knew this was going to be the most challenging, yet most rewarding deployment of my ATC career. In 2010, 2.2 million aircraft operations were executed at 17 ATC facilities within Air Forces Central's area of responsibility. That's an average of approximately 129,400 annual operations at each ATC facility. The deployed environment is the most complex and challenging for ATC, which is why I knew my position would carry a tremendous amount of responsibility. I'm deployed to Southwest Asia as the Air Force Forces, ATC, supervisor. As the AFFOR, ATC supervisor manager, I'm directly responsible for providing management support for ATC, reviewing/approving letters of procedure, reviewing hazardous air traffic reports, conducting quality assurance evaluation visits, tracking traffic count data, and assisting with resolving any operational issues for 17 bases within the AFCENT AOR. Without question, there is a tremendous amount of responsibility that comes with this position, not to mention the 200 members that I directly support within those ATC facilities. Day one: I just shook hands with the person I'm replacing and somehow I'm already his best friend. Seriously, who isn't happy when their replacement comes in? I had the standard three days of turnover to cram mountains of information into my head. As expected, the learning curve was steep, and it took a solid two weeks before I started to fill comfortable with day-to-day operations. I work seven days a week, 12-hour shifts, with two half days. As many of you already know, the deployed environment is a daily grind. This is a prime example of why it's so critical that every Airman is technically, physically, mentally, and spiritually ready to deploy and accomplish the mission. During my deployment, I've been both a part, and witness to amazing progress and achievements associated with OEF and OND. Whether it's increasing the air traffic capability in Afghanistan, or the process of transitioning out of Iraq, there is history being made around every corner. On Feb. 10, at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony that marked the completion of a $284 million runway construction project. A little less than five years ago, Camp Bastion was a dirt landing strip that supported 12 C-130 operations a month. Because of continued efforts and vision from AFFOR, today, Camp Bastion supports more than 15,000 aircraft operations a month. The new 12,500 foot length runway is now capable of supporting C-5 and Boeing-747 operations and will greatly increase the warfighters' capabilities. Most importantly, critical supplies, personnel, and equipment will be moved via airlift, versus vehicle convoys, directly resulting in lives saved! Camp Bastion is just one example of what the incredible men and women of our Armed Forces and Coalition partners are accomplishing in Afghanistan. Another highlight of my deployment occurred in Kuwait. There I was given the opportunity to be the assistant air boss of the Kuwait 50/20 celebration air show. This air show was a celebration of Kuwait's two most historical moments in the countries history. First, this marked Kuwait's 50th year anniversary of independence from Great Britain as a country. Second, this marked the 20th year anniversary of the United States and coalition forces' liberation of Kuwait from Iraq, during Operation Desert Storm. More than 85 aircraft from the United States, Kuwait, Great Britain, France, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia participated in the air show. Thinking back 20 years ago as a high school senior, I watched on television as the people of Kuwait were being brutalized by Iraq. Now, 20 years later on Feb. 26, 2010, I had a leading role in celebrating the liberation of Kuwait. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget, not just because of my role, but because I witnessed what it meant to the people of Kuwait. We're part of a unique fraternity of professional warfighters, and no one puts their lives on the line more than we do! Together, we serve in an expeditionary Air Force, which is why it's absolutely critical for each of us to be technically, physically, mentally, and spiritually prepared to deploy and ready to accomplish the mission. From the quality Airmen that our recruiters send to basic training, to the top levels of Air Force leadership, we must all be prepared to do our part. Being deployed always gives me a great deal of appreciation for the many things that I take for granted. For that, I am forever grateful and humbled by the ultimate sacrifice that many have given before us and those that continue to sacrifice for freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!