MANG C-17 brings citizens home

JACKSON, Miss. - Ninety American citizens seeking to return home amid the coronavirus pandemic got the ride of their lives when an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 172nd Airlift Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard, brought them home in two airlifts – from Colombia and Panama – to Duke Field, Fla., on April 1-2. The mission was part of an ongoing interagency effort led by the U.S. State Department to assist Americans unable to return home from countries around the world during the pandemic. “This has been a difficult time for the entire world,” said Maj. Jimmy Balcom, a pilot assigned to the 183rd Airlift Squadron, a unit of the 172d Airlift Wing based at the Allen C. Thompson Field (Miss.) Air National Guard Base in Jackson. “Our crew was able to provide a crucial service, which directly impacted not only our passengers but all of the family members that were waiting for their return.” The six aircrew members only had a few days to prepare for departure. “We didn’t know the locations until the morning of departure,” said Balcom. “Even then, locations changed.” On Day 1, 48 citizens were transported from Bogota, Columbia. On Day 2, 42 were transported from Panama. “Every one of the citizens was grateful to have a ride,” said Balcom. These types of missions are another way the 172nd AW accomplishes its vision “to be the most responsive, resourceful, and respected airlift wing in the nation.” The 172 AW is referred to as The Wings of the Deep South. (Source: 172nd Air Wing 04/23/20) https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368329/bringing-them-home