The 586th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, operating at an air base in Southwest Asia, and the 732nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, were inactivated earlier this month during separate ceremonies. The 586th EMSG had been supporting operations in Iraq since September 2005 by performing tasks such as detainee transportation security, outside-the-wire patrols, and remotely piloted aircraft operations. The unit officially ended its activities on June 17. At Balad, the 732nd ELRS ceased operations on June 3. The squadron was activated in March 2004. Over the years, its airmen escorted convoys, carried out fuel operations, and performed maintenance on vehicles. Later, they served as trainers to the Iraqis. (Balad report by Lt. Col. William Clark; 386th AEW report by TSgt. Lindsey Maurice)
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.