New cargo handling ramp opens at Bagram Airfield

The new cargo handling ramp, operated by the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, officially opened here Aug 11, 2010. The 90,000 square foot cargo handling ramp will improve cargo storage and distribution to base units and forward operating bases. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

New cargo handling ramp opens at Bagram Airfield

Lt. Col. Kirk Peterson, commander of the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, addresses aerial port Airmen, contractors and senior leaders during the new cargo handling ramp grand opening ceremony Aug. 11, 2010, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The new ramp will increase the efficiency of the aerial porters and Bagram?s coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

New cargo handling ramp opens at Bagram Airfield

Brig. Gen. Jack Briggs, commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, speaks to aerial port Airmen, contractors and senior leaders during the new cargo handling ramp grand opening ceremony Aug. 11, 2010, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The 90,000 square foot cargo handling ramp will improve cargo storage and distribution to base units and forward operating bases. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

New cargo handling ramp opens at Bagram Airfield

From left to right: Lt. Col. Kirk Peterson, commander of the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, Brig. Gen. Jack Briggs, commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, and Lt. Col. Earl Evans, commander of the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, cut the ribbon to the new cargo handling ramp Aug 11, 2010, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The 90,000 square foot cargo handling ramp will improve cargo storage and distribution to base units and forward operating bases. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

New cargo handling ramp opens at Bagram Airfield

Published Aug. 12, 2010
By 2nd Lt. Jennifer Guerrero
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- A new cargo handling ramp opened for business today here during a ceremony presided over by Brig. Gen. Jack L. Briggs II, the commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing.

This U.S. Air Forces Central-funded $8.8 million project, measuring about 90,000 square feet, increases the storage space and handling capacity for incoming and outgoing cargo.

"We are the busiest aerial port squadron in the world," said Lt. Col. Kirk Peterson , the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron Commander. "This new cargo yard will more than double our current capacity and it represents our nation's commitment to Operation Enduring Freedom.

"As General Briggs is fond of saying 'Airpower is the power of Airmen,' so this cargo yard will give our Airmen more power to do their job," Peterson said.

"We'll set new records," Peterson said. "And we'll strive to increase cargo velocity through the Department of Defense's transportation system allowing for quicker delivery times from the continental United States supply depots to the warfighter at operating bases throughout Afghanistan."

The ramp is one of six major endeavors under the biggest military contract currently underway in the area of operations, according to Kevin Cullen, a subcontractor development manager executing the project.

Cullen said the ramp project started three months ago and was fast-tracked due to operational requirements that accelerated the timeframe for completion .

The newly concreted yard, compared to the old rock and dirt yard, provides a safer environment for Airmen to maneuver cargo around as they operate.

Addressing Airman gathered for the opening ceremony, General Briggs said, "You deserve this. You deserve a place that is safe. You deserve a place that is built for what you need to do. We are going to maximize this [yard]."