380AEW Article

380th Airmen promote joint efforts supplying Navy with certification

Published Feb. 28, 2011
By Master Sgt. Julie Briden-Garcia
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The strong winds rolled sand across the flight line as a forklift crept through crates stacked like skyscrapers, with its steel prongs ready to grasp its target. The machine hoisted the crate effortlessly and placed it gently on the sand covered asphalt - his forklift training was now complete.

The U.S. Navy team located at Forward Logistics Site, Camp Mirage (Minhad Air Base), Detachment Combined Task Force - 53 were lacking equipment necessary for heavy loading and unloading of aircraft. They were fortunate to obtain some of the necessary equipment over time, however, were still unable to use it until they received the required certification training.

Five Sailors traveled nearly 100 miles to obtain this training with the Air Force's 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. The new certification will allow U.S. Navy personnel to safely offload and upload numerous aircraft supporting CTF-53 operations throughout the AOR.

"This event showcases our wing's outreach efforts in support of joint partners in the region," said Capt. Ernest Cage, 380th ELRS director of operations.

The intensive three-hour skills training consisted of familiarization and practical exercises to include certification and training on Aircraft Material Handling Equipment (AMHE). The 380th ELRS, Air Terminal Operations Center (ATOC) team provided hands on training and certification on the operation and functions of the 25K Halverson Aircraft Loader and the 10K All Terrain Forklift.

"We were at a standstill for almost a year in this area without these critical skills," said Logistics Specialist Second Class Joel Charez, one of the Sailors who received the training. "With the assistance of these Airmen, we are now back on track."

The Navy unit, led by CDR Richard Stout, is charged with providing all aircraft logistics support to U.S. Navy and other Department of Defense aircraft that transit Minhad AB.

The ATOC trainers also took the opportunity to crosstalk and share aerial port command and control systems and initiatives with the opportunity to enhance U.S. Navy logistics operations at Camp Mirage by expediting passenger and cargo manifesting and mission tracking.

"This was great training that allowed my team to complete our mission safely while also increasing our ops tempo in support of CTF-53," said Commander Stout, Officer in Charge Minhad AB, Forward Logistics Site.

The 380th ELRS ATOC team also gained invaluable insight into how our sister services conduct air terminal operations -- invaluable experience in today's dynamic joint combat environment.

"The Air Force wrote the book of Air Terminal Operations ... so it's great to see other services value the skill sets our Port Dawgs bring to the fight," said Captain Cage. "This was a great opportunity for us to showcase our talents and to also learn from our joint regional partners."