The deployment of Air Force combat search and rescue units to assist with Operation Inherent Resolve in late September began with preparations starting more than a month in advance. Airmen from the 435th Contingency Response Group from Ramstein AB, Germany, deployed to Diyarbakir AB, Turkey, on Aug. 12 to set up the infrastructure required for the HC-130s and HH-60Gs that recently were sent to the base. Eighty airmen with the group built 88 operational structures at the Turkish Air Force Base over less than two weeks, according to an Oct. 7 Air Force release. HC-130Js deployed from Moody AFB, Ga., arrived beginning in late September, along with HH-60Gs and a total of 300 airmen, according to the Air Force. Gen. Philip Breedlove, commander of US European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, said last week the deployment will not be permanent and the airmen will be on call for search and rescue operations in support of the fight against ISIS.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.