Selfridge Airmen to Return From Afghanistan

Nearly 300 airmen from Selfridge Air National Guard are scheduled to return to Michigan Monday after a to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.

While deployed, and serving with the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, the men and women from Selfridge logged approximately 8,300 flight hours in 2,000 sorties, or flight missions, according to base officials.

“The safe return of our Michigan Airmen is a very welcome way to begin the new year,” said Col. Michael Thomas, commander of the 127th Wing, the home unit of the returning Airmen, in a release. “The selfless service rendered by these men and women, which included being deployed over the holiday season, epitomizes the core values of the U.S. Air Force.”

The unit operated and maintained the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft while deployed in Afghanistan, which was the unit's fourth major deployment over the past 10 years.

Base officials report that a small number of airmen will remain in Afghanistan to help with the transition of the unit that will take the place of the Michigan Air Guardsmen at the NATO base.