9th Logistics Readiness Squadron Provides Critical Relief to Ukraine Published Nov. 1, 2022 By 2nd Lt. Hailey Malay 9th Reconnaissance Wing Beale Air Force Base, Calif. -- The 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron supported President Biden’s Executive Order, processing and shipping $278,000 worth of extreme cold weather items in support of the war in Ukraine, Oct. 6. On Sept. 15, President Biden directed a presidential drawdown of up to $600 million in defense articles and services from all branches of the U.S. military for the purpose of providing immediate military assistance to Ukraine. This presidential drawdown directly aids the Ukrainian people – whether it’s a soldier on the frontlines, those who are ministering to the wounded, sick, or vulnerable, or the defiant grandmothers resisting Russian aggression. With more than 40 million Ukrainians fighting for their country, President Biden has communicated the goal to see a democratic, independent, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine with the means to deter and defend itself against further aggression. This commitment charged Air Combat Command with tasking the 9th LRS to support the order for extreme cold weather gear on Oct. 3, providing Ukrainian citizens and soldiers with the ability to combat the harsh winter. The Materiel Management Flight processed and packed 5,808 pieces of gear including parkas, boots, caps, mittens, and boot liners. The military-grade extreme weather gear can withstand temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the protection of Ukrainians against the winter elements. It felt good for our team to be part of a large Air Force effort to aid Ukraine,” said 1st Lt. Jeremy Fagan, Materiel Management Flight Commander. “We were able to use our training, organization, and readiness with a real tie to global current events.” The Deployment and Distribution Flight prepared and shipped all assets to 436th Aerial Port Squadron at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, within 72 hours, beating the Oct. 6 suspense by a full day. The destination for the gear is a major transportation hub near Kiev, which will ship out the necessary clothing throughout the nation. “Being able to see the results of what we do day to day on a bigger scale, supporting a global effort, was great,” said Maceo Lynch, Materiel Management Flight Chief. “We supported another country who needed our help.” The 9th LRS played a key role in continuing to meet the needs of Ukrainian forces in accordance with the President’s drawdown, working alongside the Department of Defense to ensure the United States is ready to defend itself, partners, and Allies.