Major Chris McMartin served as a detachment commander with the 445th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. McMartin was selected to redeploy early from Qatar, then to immediately deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. For this deployment, the crew flew over in the aircraft they would use during the mission instead of falling in on aircraft already in theater. Once the squadron arrived in country, they received a 24-hour handoff form the current squadron prior to their redeployment. McMartin discusses the living conditions and the adjustment to the surroundings. He also discusses the challenges he faced once he arrived in Bagram to ensure they had adequate support. During this deployment, McMartin's primary task was to provide support to the crew. When the crew was ready to redeploy, they did not conduct a handoff as there was no crew to replace them. McMartin discusses the challenges and accomplishments during this deployment. He also offers his lessons learned and recommendations to the Air Force based on this deployment. While family separation was still difficult, it was a little easier knowing that once this deployment was completed, he would have a permanent change of station and a little break from the deployments to spend more time with his family.

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