Rwanda News Agency/Agence Rwandaise d'Information (Kigali)
23 October 2007
Kigali — The US Air Force brigade 786th Air Expeditionary Squadron that has been supporting the African Union to air-lift peacekeepers and equipment from Rwanda has said it will continue to transport the missions, RNA reports.
Writing on Air Force Link, the 786th AES says it will support the multiday mission based out of the Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.
Airmen from the 786th Air Expeditionary Squadron, along with two C-17 Globemaster IIIs and aircrews from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. provided airlift for 400 Rwandan soldiers October 20 who are part of the African Union peacekeeping mission in the Darfur.
This is the seventh deployment in which the American Airmen have assisted in rotating Rwandan troops in and out of Darfur.
"We are happy to be able to assist the African Union's efforts in Darfur," Lt. Col. Kevin Therrien, the 786th AES commander is quoted to have said. "My incredible team of professional Airmen has been dedicated to this mission since 2004."
The C-17s returned with Rwandan soldiers coming home after their eight-month deployment in Darfur.
"I am very happy to see my family and enjoy my country," said Rwandan Lt. Népo Mulindabyuma, who was returning home to his wife and three children.
The returning soldiers were dismissed only after the Rwandan Chief of General Staff Gen. James Kabarebe thanked them for their service and participated in a celebratory traditional dance with his soldiers.
786th Air Expeditionary Squadron says they expect to assist in transporting approximately 2,200 Rwandan troops and heavy equipment in and out of the Darfur region.
The 7000-strong African Union mission in Darfur has been getting funding for deployment from the European Union the U.S, but national governments also foot part of the bill.
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