Gaisford deploys to Iraqto assist with OperationNew Dawn
Air Force Senior Airman Benjamin S. Gaisford has deployed to Iraq to serve in support of Operation New Dawn, the formerly named Operation Iraqi Freedom. This transition signifies a formal end to U.S. military combat operations in Iraq.
Operation New Dawn shifts the U.S. emphasis from predominantly military to predominately civilian as the U.S. officials assist Iraqis in accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement.
The three primary missions of U.S. Forces include advising, assisting and training the Iraqi Security Forces; conducting partnered counterterrorism operations; and providing support to provincial reconstruction teams and civilian partners as they help build Iraqís civil capacity.
Gaisford, an avionics intermediate section journeyman with three years of military service, is regularly assigned to the 48th Component Maintenance Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England.
He is the son of William and Kristine Gaisford of Salisbury and a 2003 graduate from East Rowan High School.