Major Chris McMartin served as the assistant director of operations with the 745th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in Qatar in support of the Global War on Terrorism. McMartin deployed from June to August 2007 to fulfill more of a supervisory and operational management role instead of being assisted to a flight crew. The movement over was becoming second nature to some because many of the people who were deploying were volunteers. McMartin discusses the situation once he arrived in theater and how it had changed from previous deployments. McMartin discusses the operational tempo, his primary tasks and how he occupied his time during his time off. There were challenges ensuring the flight crews received support to effectively complete their mission. McMartin was able to increase the mission effectiveness rates over the previous squadron, to include launching all AIREVAC alerts. Overall, McMartin believes the squadron did very well. He was selected to redeploy early from this deployment to then immediately deploy in support of an Operation Enduring Freedom mission. McMartin offers his lessons learned and recommendations to the Air Force based on this deployment. While family separation was difficult, communications capabilities made it easier to remain in contact with his family.

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