More local reservists are being called up in support the war in Iraq.
The 911th Airlift Wing at Pittsburgh International Airport activated about 250 of its 1,400 members for deployment to a location in Southwest Asia. The first group of about 45 will leave today, with the rest following next week. They will be relieving Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve C-130 units that have been overseas for six months or more.
The Airlift Wing received the mobilization order Nov. 26. The affected reservists, mainly C-130 flight crews, aircraft maintainers and administrative support staff, were notified to report for deployment processing over the past two weeks.
According to the order, the reservists are being called to active duty for 12 months. A rotational schedule using members remaining behind is expected to begin during the next few months and continue throughout the activation.
