3/17/2011 - The 440th Airlift Wing welcomed 15 of the wing's newest members during the March 5, 2011 Unit Training Assembly. 440th Airlift Wing Command Chief, Jeffrey Roeder, welcomed the group to the wing. "We have a long history of excellence at this wing, and we expect you to do your part to build on it." Most of the newcomers reside within 50 miles of Pope Field. Col. Merle D.Hart, 440th Airlift Wing commander commented, " We are building a wing from the local communities and surrounding areas of North and South Carolina. I truly hope you will become as proud of this wing as I am." There are more than 1300 Airmen attached to the 440th Airlift Wing at Pope Field, N.C. The mission of the 440th Airlift Wing is to provide total force mission-ready Combat Airlifters and equipment...anywhere, anytime! (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Brody)