BRIEFLY

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jul 10, 2006 | by THE GAZETTE

302nd Airlift Wing logs 2,771 missions

The 302nd Airlift Wing, a reserve unit from Peterson Air Force Base, has logged some impressive statistics since it was activated for war duty nearly a year ago, according to newly released Air Force statistics.

The unit, which uses fourgine C-130 transport planes to haul cargo and passengers around the Middle East from bases in Qatar and Iraq, has logged more than half the missions for an effort that also involves units from Pennsylvania and New York.

So far, the 302nd has flown 2,771 missions, accumulating 5,259 hours in the air. The 302nd has also hauled more than 32,000 passengers and nearly 7,000 tons of cargo.

Springs airmen help shuttle find best path

The Space Shuttle Discovery's job in space is being made easier by Air Force airmen in Colorado Springs.

According to Air Force Space Command, the 1st Space Control Squadron at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station is using 30 radar devices and telescopes worldwide to track thousands of man-made objects in orbit that could endanger the shuttle and the International Space Station. Workers at NASA use the information from Colorado Springs to change the shuttle's path, the command said.

And NASA keeps in touch with the shuttle thanks to work done by airmen at Schriever Air Force Base who run the Air Force Satellite Control Network. The network helps with communication and tracking of the shuttle.

Film, no fireworks, for 3rd HBCT Fourth

In Iraq, the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team reports that soldiers celebrated Independence Day with games, sports and a screening of the new "Superman" movie.

The 3,600-soldier unit, due home this fall, recently handed control of Diyala Province, northwest of Baghdad, to an Iraqi division, and its soldiers are increasingly responsible for training Iraqis rather than front-line fighting.

The soldiers enjoyed a barbecue, but fireworks were out.