Africa ( Europe Brief News): Around 150 airmen from the Montana Air National Guard have been deployed to Africa, supporting U.S. allies with critical crisis response operations.
Expeditionary Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Ben Tougas emphasized the significance of the mission.
“This mission is important to our countries objectives because we’re going to be supporting our allies in the crisis response and providing intra-theater logistic support,”
he stated.
This deployment is many people’s first overseas experience.
“We do have a lot of first time deployed, a lot of young airmen, men and women that are excited to serve and go on their first deployment,”
Tougas stated.
For others, this marks the start of a new chapter in their service years. Montana Air National Guard loadmaster SMSgt. Steven Jager has served in the Guard for more than 23 years.
“So far, I’ve deployed to different regions of the world six times. Every one of them has unique difficulties. But to be honest, I think they’re really fulfilling,”
he said.
The mission required a great deal of planning and organization. The Installation Deployment Officer, Capt. David Guinn, commented on the logistics.
“Having been deployed before. I know what it takes to get out the door for these types of movements… my office essentially oversaw this movement with the cargo, the people. So it’s an absolute honor to watch it go out the door to be able to support downrange,”
he said.
Despite technological advancements that make it easier to stay connected, the sacrifice of being away from family is significant. Steven Jager reflected on this, saying,
“When I first deployed it was the telephone phone call that you had to wait for a 30 second lag. Nowadays you get everything with cell phones. You can talk via email, of course. It’s always great to get a care package in the mail. That’s always something that we look forward to.”
As the airmen embark on their mission, they leave behind spouses, children, and communities in Montana.
“I’m very proud to deploy with the men and women in the Montana National Guard, we put a lot of time and effort into making this happen, a lot of sacrifices as well,”
Jager added.
Lt. Col. Tougas highlighted the airmen’s dedication. The commitment to their state and nation that these men and women possess. Many sacrifices are made by leaving families behind in order to complete the objective. However, he added that they are thrilled and professional, and they’re going to do a fantastic job and make them all proud.
With the expectation of a homecoming in the fall, the deployment is anticipated to continue through the summer.
In addition to the deployment, the Montana Air National Guard is preparing for the C-130 conversion this fall.
“The upcoming conversion is a challenge paired with a deployment, but we, our men and women are all professionals and they’re excited for the change and willing to adapt and overcome as needed,”
stated Lt. Col. Tougas.
How will the deployment impact Montana’s military readiness in Africa?
The ongoing transition to the new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, which is set to start this autumn, will not be impacted by the deployment of about 144 airmen by the 120th Airlift Wing from late May to September 2025. Alongside the deployment preparations, the base is still redesigning its facilities and upgrading its infrastructure.
The deployment gives Montana airmen invaluable practical experience in a v
