Cargo in, cargo out

An Airman assigned to the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron quick response team (QRT) operates a forklift at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 8, 2021. The 387th QRT operated a variety of cargo transferring machinery as part of a training exercise that expanded their multifunctional abilities needed for forward deployments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn J. Ergish)

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Cargo in, cargo out

Tech. Sgt. D’Angelo Evans, 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron special handling technician, instructs the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron quick response team on how to perform joint inspections on cargo at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 7, 2021. Joint Inspections are performed on all cargo and equipment to determine the weight and amount of cargo space it will need on an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn J. Ergish)

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Cargo in, cargo out

An Airman from the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron quick response team (QRT) performs a joint inspection on a vehicle at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 7, 2021. The 387th QRT completed joint inspection training to ensure their readiness in determining the space needed for expediting cargo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn J. Ergish)

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Cargo in, cargo out

Airmen assigned to the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron are taking part in quick reaction team training focusing on how to properly inspect cargo prior to being loaded onto an aircraft at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 8, 2021. This type of training aids the Airmen with getting accustomed to operating within the spectrum of their career field and ensure they are ready to go at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristine Legate)

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Cargo in, cargo out

Airmen assigned to the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron are taking part in quick reaction team training focusing on how to properly inspect cargo prior to being loaded onto an aircraft at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 8, 2021. This type of training aids the Airmen with getting accustomed to operating within the spectrum of their career field and ensure they are ready to go at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristine Legate)

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Cargo in, cargo out

An Airman from the 387th Air Expeditionary Wing quick response team (QRT) directs a teammate during cargo vehicle training at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 8, 2021. This training equips the QRT with the multifunctional skills needed to complete a broad spectrum of jobs within their unit, preparing them to forward deploy in small groups when the mission requires it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn J. Ergish)

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Cargo in, cargo out

An Airman from the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron quick response team (QRT) directs a teammate during cargo vehicle training at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 8, 2021. This training equips the QRT with the multifunctional skills needed to complete a broad spectrum of jobs within their unit, preparing them to forward deploy in small groups when the mission requires it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn J. Ergish)

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Cargo in, cargo out

Airmen assigned to the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron are taking part in quick reaction team training focusing on how to properly inspect cargo prior to being loaded onto an aircraft at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Feb. 8, 2021. This type of training aids the Airmen with getting accustomed to operating within the spectrum of their career field and ensure they are ready to go at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristine Legate)

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Cargo in, cargo out

Published Feb. 25, 2021
By Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn J. Ergish
386th Air Expeditionary Wing

ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, Kuwait --

ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, KUWAIT – In and out. Efficient and accurate. Providing decisive combat power and unparalleled theater support would be impossible to complete without the quick response abilities of 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen.

With rotations constantly changing out and rapidly forward deploying, the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing quick response team completes proper inspection training to ensure their Airmen maintain the multifunctional skills they need to perform various operations.

“We want to integrate new rotations so they’re ready at any point in time when a tasking comes up,” said Tech. Sgt. D’Angelo Evans, 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron special handling technician. “We are always ready to send out our Airmen prepared to complete whatever mission needs to be done and when you go downrange the mission might require you to do something different outside of your job specification.”

The quick response team requires being well-trained on all the individual operations that go into the loading, transporting and unloading of cargo on aircraft.

“Our squadron mostly gets forward deployments,” said Staff Sgt. Eric White, 387th AEW Air Transportation supervisor. “It’s extremely important that our people know how to get the job done no matter where they go.”

This familiarity training sets up the QRT for success and overall furthers U.S. Central Command’s mission of sustaining superior airpower in the area of responsibility.

“Anything that needs to be moved, we move it,” Evans said. “Cargo in, cargo out. Anything that needs to be transported on an aircraft, we touch. It can be anything, from ammunitions to transportation vehicles. So if anything pops off downrange we’re able to expedite and get whatever kind of support they need.”

Ali Al Salem prides itself in being the gateway for the theater due to the support and readiness the QRT provides. Because of the versatility they bring to the table, aircrews are able to forward deploy and support mission operations anywhere, at a moment’s notice.