An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

380AEW Article

Heavy equipment offloading offers 380 ELRS unique coordination opportunities

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Julie Briden-Garcia
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The joint efforts of the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron and their Host Nation F-16 maintenance squadron strengthened a working partnership as Airmen provided offloading support to the Host Nation participants returning from Red Flag with 50,000 short tons of F-16 Desert Falcon equipment. Both nations joined together using U.S. military heavy equipment assets to offload cargo, which filled both a contracted 747 and an Air Force C-17 from nose to tail. The Airmen also took this opportunity to offer some on-the-job training highlighting heavy equipment operations and safety to their Host Nation neighbors.

Master Sgt. Brian O'Daniel, 380th ELRS superintendent, said building relations is paramount to this partnership. "The more the region changes, the more you need a partner here. Being able to collaborate with the Host Nation and with other regions in the area - it benefits everybody. Helping our Host Nation download their equipment with our ELRS team providing technical assistance helps build partnerships and relations; that's something we need."

After crossing more than 9,000 miles on the return trip home, offloading the precious cargo presented a challenge to both teams.

"Our [Air Force aerial porters] were ready and willing to support the Host Nation during their cargo download with our 60k loader and 10k forklift and to show them how we use our equipment," said Sergeant O'Daniel.

This joint effort was essential because [the host nation's crew] only possessed a small 25k loader, as opposed to the 380th ELRS 60k loader necessary for this type of heavy lifting. Sergeant O'Daniel also mentioned that any opportunity to educate the Host Nation on the 380th ELRS heavy loading equipment was worth the time and effort.

"We were able to show them how it works, how it handles and hopefully they'll get some valuable training out of it as well."

This unique opportunity was a first for many who worked the offload mission, even Senior Airman Cory Wallace, the 380th ELRS 60k ton operator. "This is my first time working with the host country nationals, so I'm kind of excited to see how things go. It gives me a chance to see some of their techniques. It's something new, something different."

Getting the job completed in the safest and most efficient manner possible was paramount for both crews. However, some training was necessary to make this a successful mission. Reviewing the steps in the Air Force safety program Operational Risk Management, or ORM, was a must. Sergeant O'Daniel clarified the importance safety has when working on such a project.

"Our [Aerial Port] guys practice ORM day in and day out; thinking ahead to what could happen and making a conscious decision to work safe and work smart," said the master sergeant.

After hours of coordination and ORM training between the two teams, their mission was safely and effectively accomplished. The 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron used their skills and knowledge to foster the kind of partnership necessary to get the job done.