Deployed executive officer appreciates joint, total force teamwork

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lynn Aird
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Captain Larry Fiala, 71st Communications Squadron Operations flight commander, returned in February from a four month deployment as the executive officer of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq.

The mission of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group is to facilitate the reconstruction, operation and maintenance of Kirkuk, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and other United States Central Command contingency plans.

Kirkuk is a key element in the coalition effort of the reconstruction of Iraq. Kirkuk Regional Air Base also serves as a logistical hub for US Army and Special Operation Forces.

"Deploying helped me see how much of a joint effort our operations in Iraq are," said Captain Fiala. "Besides active duty, there were a good number of guard and reservists - it was a balanced mix. I had the opportunity to meet some great folks. It was honor and privilege to serve there."

While deployed, Captain Fiala had the chance to encounter several distinguished visitors to the base, such as then Vice President-elect Joe Biden, Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, U.S. Air Forces Central Commander, Lieutenant General Gary North, and the Combined Air Operations Center Deputy Commander of Combined Air Forces Major General Doug Raaberg.

As the executive officer, Captain Fiala's duties included managing calendars, taking phone calls, e-mails, processing decorations, reviewing staff packages, processing letters of evaluation, setting up video teleconferences, ceremonies, visits and meetings for the group commander.

"I worked with another captain, a tech sergeant, and a senior airman in the front office. I usually worked 14 plus hours Monday through Saturday," explained Captain Fiala. "I usually slept in on Sundays, went to church, then back to work for several hours to catch up on e-mails and paperwork. I didn't have many days off that I remember, but the time went by fast."

According to Captain Fiala, it was easy to focus on his job because security on the air base was a top priority. At the end of the duty day, he was housed in a modular trailer during his deployment.

The dining facility on base was excellent, according to Captain Fiala, and he was able to email his wife and daughter daily, as well as being allowed a 15 minute phone call home at least once a week.