Citizen Airmen of the 445th Airlift Wing began 2024 with a welcome home celebration for nearly 140 Airmen who returned Jan. 4, 2024, from a deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Throughout the year, the wing participated in various exercises to maintain and improve readiness that included Exercises African Lion, Pacific Dagger, Northern Strike, Patriot Medic and Vigilant Elk. Nearly a dozen members deployed to various locations including Germany, Qatar, Spain and Saudi Arabia.

The 445th Airlift Wing provided personnel to support Operations Inherent Resolve, Spartan Shield and Juniper Shield. Additionally, units completed Big Safari and Integrated Munitions Flight missions. The wing welcomed its new commander, Col. Douglas A. Perry Jr. in June. Leadership from 4th Air Force, Maj. Gen. D. Scott Durham and Chief Master Sgt. Travon Dennis, visited the wing in January and June to learn about its missions and to recognize Airmen.

The entire wing took a moment to pause in September during the wing’s annual family day event. This day was set aside for Airmen and their families to spend time with individual squadrons and have an opportunity to connect with others in the wing.

In November, the wing, with support from the Ohio Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, honored 40 of its employers from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, California and Tennessee during an Employer Appreciation Day.

The wing ended the year with a successful flying hour program. The 445th Operations Group with support from the 445th Maintenance Group flew 719 sorties for a total of 122 missions across the globe to areas including Brazil, Japan, Germany and Spain. Approximately 6.4 million pounds of cargo was transported and 3,111 passengers airlifted in calendar year 2024.