SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Incoming units looking to bring their capabilities and become part of the base first make contact with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Plans and Programs office which ensures the transition becomes a functional reality.
A three-member basing branch and the single metal-movements member assist new units looking to become a permanent part of the wing and coalition team, or special teams visiting the base.
"We are the single point of contact for incoming units and organizations wanting to move or place non-aircraft assets here," said Capt. James Balentine, who is deployed from the 14th Communications Squadron out of Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.
Some new units are small and easier to incorporate into base operations but others bring in hundreds of people to add to the base population, which impacts various services on base.
"We have to make sure we know about it well enough in advance so everyone can coordinate and accommodate the number of people," the Baton Rouge, La., native said.
One way the basing branch ensures everyone is on the same page is to organize a site survey.
"It is important they come out here and see what is in the area, what might interfere with their mission, and make sure they will not interfere with anyone else's mission. It is a puzzle that has to fit together exactly right," Captain Balentine said. "They may have something completely different in their minds that is not possible and can't be determined until they come out and put their feet on the ground and see what is available."
The details of supporting a new unit involve several base agencies including civil engineers for buildings and office space to work in, communications for telephones and computers, and force support to ensure the base can provide meals for the influx of people, he said.
"We are like the yellow pages. We find out what support they are going to need, what they are looking to do and we know the right people they need to talk to for those things," said 1st Lt. Brett Bailey, who is deployed from the 60th Civil Engineer Squadron out of Travis Air Force Base, Calif.
At these conference meetings, they provide requirements and the base agencies determine current support, what will need to installed, or if a concession can be made to the units requirements.
"We get them in touch with all units on base they are going to affect or need services from so we can come up with a solution to the services they need," the Salisbury, N.H. native said. "We make sure we are staying in line with the base master plan and host nation interests. We do not want to disrupt that plan, which has current operations and funded, future projects under construction."
Once requirements are understood and the unit's integration into the base is possible, it goes up for approval at the wing and host nation, Captain Balentine said. Once approved and facilities are being built, they organize transition meetings to assist with power, computers and contracting.
"We will put them in contact with the person who can help them. A lot of times, we can answer the questions simply because we have already gone over the issue," Captain Balentine said.
While a large amount of work is needed for the basing branch to assist new units, they also help with the influx of smaller teams who stop here for an extended but temporary stay. The branch recently helped the Air Force audit team locate temporary working space during their nearly two-month stay.
A majority of the temporary stays are handled by the metal-movements branch, where Capt. Bradley Young supports fighter aircraft flying to and from home station, or flying air tasking orders when traveling within theater.
"The wing is located at an excellent stopping and staging point to move fighter aircraft in and out of the theater," said Captain Young who is deployed from the 7th Fighter Squadron out of Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. "This is a good location to make sure everything is collected together before deploying into the Central Command area of responsibility or redeploy back home."
He ensures smooth and seamless swap outs passing through here with wing resources allocated appropriately and efficiently throughout the entire process during their stay. Most of the support is handled similar to the basing branch, but aircrew and aircraft maintenance requirements add their own complications.
Since May, the metal-movements branch supported the move of F-15E Strike Eagles redeploying home, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs swapping out for maintenance purposes, Navy EA-6B Prowlers and Marine AV-8B Harriers traveling into Afghanistan to bring in new capabilities.
"Picking up an entire squadron and moving it is pretty hectic without added complications. We do everything we can to mitigate any issues," said Captain Young, who hails from Colorado Springs, Colo. "It is always an adventure and cool to be able to get into the thick of it. If you can't be there in the cockpit, at least you are doing your part to help out. Being able to support the guy in the fight is the next best thing."