BREAKING: The 130th Airlift Wing has just returned to McLaughlin Air Base in Charleston, West Virginia, following a successful deployment to the Horn of Africa. Families gathered eagerly this morning, with children in ear protection, ready to embrace their loved ones who have been away since November 2023.
Captain Mike Adler, a resident of St. Albans and member of the 130th, expressed the joy of reuniting with family after months apart. “There’s nothing like it, it makes their day, it makes our day. It’s been a long time. Happy to be home and it’s time to make up for some lost time for sure,” he said.
The airmen arrived on several C-130 J aircraft, marking a significant milestone as this was the first mission for the unit using this advanced model. The transition from the older C-130H3 models to the C-130J-30s began in 2021, enhancing the capabilities of the 130th Airlift Wing.
Airman Thomas Staggs of Lincoln County shared his experience, stating, “We flew into different airfields around the Horn of Africa delivering supplies. It was winter over there, so it was a little cooler, so it wasn’t too bad.” He held his young son, Sawyer, revealing, “I missed his first Christmas, but we planned one out and did it early before I left.”
Similarly, Ben Foster from Milton, who deployed just before Thanksgiving, expressed his joy as he reunited with his son, who was just two months old when he left. “It’s great, he’s grown up a lot since I left him. He’s like 20 pounds heavier,” Foster shared.
The mission was deemed a success by Air Guard command, underscoring the critical role of the 130th Airlift Wing in international operations. As families celebrate these reunions, the emotional weight of their absence is palpable, highlighting the sacrifices made by service members.
As the community of Charleston rallies around the returning heroes, the focus now shifts to what lies ahead for the 130th Airlift Wing. The unit’s enhanced capabilities with the new aircraft promise to strengthen their operational readiness for future missions.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 130th Airlift Wing and their ongoing contributions to national and international security.
