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PAX terminal moves record numbers

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome C. Baysmore
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  The 376th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Passenger Terminal and Aerial Port Flight personnel moved through a record month in April.

The PAX terminal and Aerial Port Flight staff moved 68,000 passengers and 180,000 bags last month and shattered their March record of 57,082 passengers.

"We didn't know--it was just one of those things we didn't notice because we move a lot of PAX," said Master Sgt. Brian Armstrong, 367th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerial Port Flight day shift NCOIC. "We made some adjustments to make our processes smoother, and I enjoy our mission here moving passengers in and out of Afghanistan. It's rewarding to send someone back home--it keeps me going."

Sergeant Armstrong said moving about 4,000 coalition troops through the transit center added to their record numbers.

Capt. Fernando Echeona 376th ELRS Aerial Port Flight commander, said they averaged supporting 5 or 6 aircraft a day moving passengers, cargo and baggage. He also added that their coordination with the baggage teams, customs and the Joint Movement Control Center

"The pillars of the TCM include onward movement and airlift," he said. "We support a big part of the mission because we process all the cargo and move all the people rotating in and out of theater. We're the first and last to see the transients."

"We're very busy, but we find time to get involved and volunteer to support the humanitarian assistance mission as well as support all the TCM goals and objectives," he continued. "'Porters' are very versatile, crafty and exceed expectations when it comes to meeting the mission. "

Staff Sgt. Marvin Ellis, passenger terminal representative deployed from the 734th Air Mobility Squadron at Anderson Air Base, Guam , said it boils down to taking pride in the mission and supporting ongoing operations. Sergeant Ellis is one of several drivers who ferry passengers to and from the flightline as well as the arrival briefing for inbound transients.

"I take a lot of pride in my work and what I do," Sergeant Ellis said. "We're moving the war fighters whether they're going home or to Afghanistan and the people I work with make it all worthwhile--we're ready 24/7."

Senior Airman Rich McGraw, 376th ELRS Aerial Port Flight and deployed from the 735th Air Mobility Squadron at Hickam Air Base, Hawaii, agreed. Airmen McGraw is one of several personnel moving cargo in the "PAX yard" and instructing transients on the proper way to prepare baggage pallets for the outgoing flights.

"Here you get the opportunity to work with your hands, and you're constantly moving around," he said. "You get to see the full spectrum of putting troops in and out of Afghanistan.

"To be honest I thought Hickam was busy," he concluded. "It's overwhelming to see the amount of people we move with the small number of staff we have.

"It actually seemed like we moved 100 thousand instead of over 60 thousand," he said. "I think what we do with the amount of space and the people we have is unbelievable."