New X-ray baggage machine to enhance security, safety

Published Oct. 16, 2011
By Capt. Jamie Humphries
438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan air force airmen and aerial port advisers installed a new X-ray machine at Kandahar Air Wing recently.

Located on Panther Ramp, near the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group operations building, the machine was delivered and installed by the aerial porters who will run the equipment until Afghan professionals receive all necessary training prior to full implementation.

Experts say instead of a traditional pat down security check of traveling passengers, the machine will be used to screen all AAF passengers that are processed through the passenger terminal. The machine will also eliminate the need to hand search baggage and increase flight safety said one aerial port professional.

"The install of the machine is important because it will streamline the processing of passenger baggage," said Master Sgt. Anthony Martinez of the 443rd Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron. "The X-ray machine will increase efficiency of personnel and will enhance security."

After delivery and install of the new machine, advisers worked with their Afghan counterparts to demonstrate how the machine operates and helped them understand the capabilities associated with the new technology.

For now, the new X-ray device is the only one being used with no future deliveries planned.

"(Afghan airmen) thought (the X-ray machine) was amazing," said Martinez. "Many other Afghans that work closely with our aerial porters were excited to see such technology. This is the first machine, to my knowledge, on KAW."