Altus AFB Airmen Awarded for Work With PATRIOT Brigade - KSWO, Lawton, OK- Wichita Falls, TX: News, Weather, Sports. ABC, 24/7, Telemundo -

By Capt. Corey Robertson, 31^st Air Defense Artillery Brigade Public Affairs Officer

FORT SILL, Okla., - The 31^st Air Defense Artillery Brigade Commander, COL. Michael Morrissey, recognized and awarded 35 Airmen and three civilians from the 97^th Air Mobility Wing based out of Altus Air Force Base Jan. 9.

The recognition was for the logistical mission support provided to soldiers of 3-2 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 31^st ADA Brigade deployed to Turkey. "We are forever in your debt for your support of this mission and our Soldiers," said Morrisey.

There were a total of 21 missions flown out of Altus Air Force Base in response to their deployment to Turkey.  More than 250 soldiers from the 3-2 Patriot Battalion Headquarters and two Patriot missile batteries were loaded and pushed out to Turkey from Altus AFB.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Skeens, an Air Transportation Craftsman with 97^th Air Mobility Wing, was among the awardees. He is a 15-year Air Force veteran and has worked multiple joint-missions.

"This is a great opportunity for both Air Force and Army personnel to work together. The joint operation really showed the true professionalism of the United States military," said Skeens. "There was a smooth integration of both services that occurred and that allowed the mission to be executed."

This mission came with an 18-day alert and notice to deploy to Turkey in support of NATO's mission there. There will be a total of six Patriot batteries in Turkey from several countries in response to their request through NATO.

"Turkey is an important NATO ally and we welcome the opportunity to support the Turkish government's request in accordance with the NATO standing defense plan," said Navy Vice Adm. Charles Martoglio, U.S. European Command deputy commander. 

"We're incredibly proud. Especially of everything you've done in the last three weeks after you received the deployment order," said Morrisey. " It was only 18 days from alert to execution when we started moving equipment and personnel."