Things seem quieter on base lately

  • Published
  • By Maj. Clayton Seale
  • 49th Maintenance Squadron commander
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Have you noticed things seem quieter on base lately? However, just because our aircraft have not been flying as much does not mean Team Holloman is not busy. Not only are we in the middle of multiple deployments, we also just finished up a Unit Compliance Inspection. 

Currently, we have more than a dozen F-117As deployed, along with more than 300 Airmen, to the Republic of Korea on a rotational deployment. We also had more than 200 other Airmen at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., for two weeks in February for RED FLAG all in addition to having many more deployed to all corners of the Earth in support of the Global War on Terror. 

Even though many of our military heroes are off fighting for our freedom, we have heroes at home too. The families and friends left behind are waiting to hear what is happening, waiting for e-mails and phone calls, just to know everything is alright. 

Also, Murphy's Law will normally raise its ugly head after a deployment starts. Washing machines begin to leak, dryers don't dry and strange lights on the car's dash board begin to come on. 

But even with all this, those left at home are taken care of. The Air Force is known for taking care of its own and works hard to make the time away from loved ones pass by quickly and easily for everyone. Units pull together to help with lawn care, friends do oil changes, washers and dryers get shared and dinner is offered every month for the families of deployed Airmen. The Air Force also gives out as much information as possible to keep families informed on what the deployed are up to. 

The Air Force has also established the Key Spouse Program, where each squadron has spouses who receive special training and become a "one-stop-shop" for spouses and family members of deployed Airmen. 

This nation is strong because of our military and the military is strong because of its families. Deployments are hard on everyone involved. The families of deployed Airmen keep their lives going one day at a time and keep the home fires burning, awaiting the return of their loved ones. 

So even though the skies around Holloman are a little quieter, don't think Holloman is sitting still. There are still a lot of people working here on base and in the homes, all of whom are waiting for the deployed to return safely.