Expeditionary Group winds down Ike relief efforts Published Sept. 16, 2008 TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- After nearly a week of supporting Hurricane Ike relief efforts, members of the 331st Air Expeditionary Group are heading back to their individual home units 16 Sep. Upon coordination with civil authorities and at the direction of Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, Air Forces Northern commander, the AEG stood up at Randolph AFB two days prior to Hurricane Ike's landfall to provide search and rescue support to the state of Texas if requested. "Perhaps the proudest moment in anyone's career - certainly in mine -- is being at the right place, at the right time to make a difference and help save lives," said Col. Steve Kirkpatrick, 331st Air Expeditionary Group commander. "Because of the teamwork by state, (the) 331st, Air Forces Northern and U.S. Northern Command personnel, those we rescued will make it back home to enjoy being with their loved ones." The 331st AEG flew 153 sorties and rescued 323 civilians throughout Texas. As a subordinate unit of Air Forces Northern headquartered at Tyndall AFB Florida, the 331st was comprised of both Air Force and Navy active duty and Reserve members. AFNORTH is the Air Force organization responsible for providing Air Force resources to U.S. Northern Command for Defense Support of Civil Authorities.