146TH AIRLIFT WING DEPLOYED ABROAD.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

PORT HUENEME - A ``substantial number'' of personnel from the 146th Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard at Channel Islands have been deployed to various locations worldwide on a federal mission over the past several weeks, authorities said Tuesday.

Those called up represent a broad mix of personnel including air crews, a medical squad, maintenance crews and security forces, said Master Sgt. Michael Drake of the Air National Guard wing's AeroSafe Taskforce South.

Additionally, more than 100 members of the wing were deployed to Los Angeles International Airport earlier this month to provide armed security, officials said.

``Some of the younger personnel are leaving schools, others are leaving jobs and taking substantial pay cuts,'' Drake said. ``It is a hardship but, overall, people have been very supportive ... because people realize they sign up to serve in time of need and this is a time of need.''

Exact numbers of those deployed have not been provided for security reasons, officials said.

The 146th Airlift Wing consists of 17 squadrons and three flights, with a total military strength of 1,209 personnel.

It is a combat-ready wing that provides tactical airlift and airdrop capability, authorities said. It provides tactical delivery of personnel and equipment, and supplies medical evacuation. The group called up includes the Aeromedical Evacuation squadron.

The personnel at LAX - the only Guard unit at the airport - were deployed Oct. 19, officials said. They are among 800 personnel deployed statewide since Oct. 5 for airport security, officials said.

Additional personnel are being trained to serve as alternates for the guardsmen at the airport if needed, Drake said.