332d AEW Traffic Management Office moves what matters

The 332d Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Office supports U.S. Central Command through rapid processing of mission-essential cargo and personnel to and from the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing, an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

TMO is known for its integral part in managing official travel for military personnel. A lesser known fact is that TMO is also responsible for processing inbound and outbound cargo allowing the 332d AEW and joint mission partners in the region to send and receive equipment needed to accomplish their warfighting mission.

“Outbound cargo handles all shipments going to the U.S. or being shipped throughout the area of responsibility,” said Master Sgt. Denise Schmidt, 332d ELRS Traffic Management Superintendent. “Inbound cargo deals with processing everything that arrives for use within our organization. Our passenger travel team manages travel for members completing temporary duty throughout the AOR, returning home in emergency leave situations, attending required training and traveling home when they’ve completed their deployment.”

Outbound sends off items for repair, decommission or to another site in the AOR, while inbound cargo receives anything from vaccines and blood to screws and aircraft tires, and everything in between that is needed to keep the mission going.

“I gained a broader understanding of what TMO does during my previous deployment and have learned more since I arrived at the 332d,” said Senior Airman Michael Bell, 332d ELRS Traffic Management inbound cargo specialist, who is on his second deployment. “We receive assets from all around the world and process them for customers from different shops to pick up. We're responsible for really everything that comes in or goes out.”

The three sections in TMO work in concert to keep the 332d AEW’s supplies and people moving to ensure mission success.

“Our motto is ‘Without TMO, they won't go.’ We are key to people and units getting what they need to accomplish the mission,” said Bell.