Mobility Airmen making a difference down range

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs8/23/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- In nearly 70 years, airlift operations have come a long way since the early days of the Military Airlift Transport Service and mobility pioneer, Lt. Gen. William Tunner, but one thing has remained the same -- Mobility Airmen are dedicated to answering the call whether at home or deployed to the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron here."Our Airmen know they aren't simply building and moving cargo, sometimes they are ensuring supplies like the blood used in transfusions to save sons or daughters, fathers and mothers, gets downrange to where it's needed most," said Lt. Col. Andrew Purath, the 8th EAMS commander. "They are readying the very basics of our current conflict that will signal to our enemies they can go no further."Keeping with tradition, these mobility Airmen are following in Tunner's footsteps. The general invented many of the air mobility systems, standards and maintenance processes used today. While the technologies aren't quite the same, mobility Airmen continue paving the way for those who will come after them, just as Tunner did. Likewise, Purath said he refers to the general regularly as the original "Ocho.""His work marked the beginning of the air mobility system," the colonel said. "And the Mighty Ocho is the continuation and fulfillment of many of Tunner's aspirations."But in the end, as Tunner said and Purath echoes, it's all about their "amazing Airmen" who support a variety of missions and units in the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility."We're not flying supplies to just the big, established bases; we also fly to the really forward deployed guys at FOBs way out in the middle of nowhere," said Tech. Sgt. David Young, the 8th EAMS Air Mobility Control Center flight chief deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. "The supplies we provide them are their lifeline."On average, 8th EAMS handles more than 7,000 tons of cargo, 6,600 passengers with 250 tons of baggage and more than 725 aircraft each month making them the busiest mobility hub in the AOR."Coordination is our game," said Staff Sgt. John Hubicsak, an 8th EAMS air terminal operations center information controller deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. "We have the most diverse mission sets transit through here every day."From personnel and heavy cargo transports to air drops and combat cargo sorties, the 8th EAMS in some fashion supports every Operation Enduring Freedom mission across the AOR."We're extremely vital; without air transportation, who knows how long it would take to convoy all this cargo to these remote locations," said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Jweinat, an 8th EAMS ramp services technician deployed from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. "We can have it [the cargo] there in a moment's notice and we're responsible for making sure it gets on the plane."Whether it's hazardous cargo, blood shipments, ammo and explosives, the 8th EAMS ensures life-sustaining materials make it to their destinations on-time. And while combat cargo is an important aspect their mission here, processing passengers is equally critical.Passengers process through the 8th EAMS passenger services section at the Air Mobility Command passenger terminal here. The passenger terminal averages more than 85,000 passengers with 3,200 tons of accompanying baggage and nearly 1,000 distinguished visitors annually."What we do is vital as far as getting passengers in and out of the country," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Deckert, the 8th EAMS passenger services supervisor deployed from Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, N.C. "We are one of the largest hubs for personnel transiting in and out of U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility. When we do our job right, people get to where they need to go, whether that is downrange or home to family and friends."However, as with every Air Force mission, jets would not fly without the hard-working maintainers who ensure these airframes last for many generations to come. One of the largest career fields in the Air Force, maintenance include crew chiefs and engine mechanics to the consolidated tool kit and parts suppliers. Together, Ocho maintainers keep nearly $1.5 billion of strategic airlifters flying while sustaining a 90 percent departure reliability rate.The 8th EAMS' heritage as Airmen, maintainers, porters and controllers is an unbroken chain binding those who have come before and stirs the unit to build on what they've achieved, said Purath."With great tenacity and skill our Airmen are ensuring there are many more tomorrows to come for their brothers and sisters in arms even further downrange," Purath continued. "They know what they do matters; they know it's much bigger than themselves."The Mighty Ocho is AMC's first expeditionary air mobility squadron and according to their commander, they couldn't be happier to be here providing support to all service members in this AOR."We're humbled to be a mission partner with the Grand Slam Wing," the colonel said. "That's nearly 330 Airmen who in unison will always tell you, 'You need it, we move it!'"[Editor's note: This article is part eight of an eight part series highlighting the unique missions accomplished by the Airmen of 8th EAMS.]

Maggie Rose ‘shakes it up’ at Grand Slam Wing

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

was basically in my backyard growing up, so I have a huge appreciation for the sacrifices you all make," she said. "We're just super thankful for everything you do to keep us safe."

Mortuary affairs sends fallen warriors home

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs8/21/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A solemn dignified transfer of remains is conducted upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Del., from the aircraft to a transfer vehicle to honor those who have given their lives in service to America. These fallen warriors, however, have stops along the way including the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here on their way home to family."What we do is ensure these fallen warriors get home to their families, friends and loved ones as quickly and safely as possible," said Tech. Sgt. Harvey Greenwood, the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron mortuary affairs NCO in charge deployed from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and a Yazoo City, Miss., native.While there are only two mortuary affairs technicians locally, they're supported by services Airmen volunteers."We have a 'Fallen Warrior Detail' consisting of six to 12 members who carry the body transfer cases to and from the aircraft," Greenwood said.After the cases have been secured, mortuary affairs jumps into action."The sooner we can get the member ready for transport again, the sooner they can be home and offer their families some peace," said Master Sgt. Michael Trace, the 379th EFSS mortuary affairs superintendent deployed from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., and a Hartville, Ohio, native.A dignified transfer is the process by which, upon the return from the theater of operations to the United States, the remains of fallen military members are transferred from the aircraft to a waiting vehicle and then to the port mortuary. The dignified transfer is not a ceremony; rather, it is a solemn movement of the transfer case by a carry team of military personnel from the fallen member's respective service. A dignified transfer is conducted for every U.S. military member who dies in the theater of operation while in the service of their country. A senior ranking officer of the fallen member's service presides over each dignified transfer.Reminiscing, Trace said the greatest sense of accomplishment that he's done a job well is when the grieving family member comes to him and thanks him for returning their warrior home."Our job is one of the most stressful and rewarding at the same time," said Trace. "At the end of the day, when that family member walks up to you with tears of thanks -- that's what it's all about."However, being deployed ushers in a whole new set of emotions each mortuary affairs technician learns to cope with in their own ways.And according to Trace, it takes a special person to fill their shoes."We're hand-selected by our squadron leadership," Trace said."After chosen, we attend a five-day course designed to better prepare us in handling the technical aspects of mortuary affairs," added Greenwood.The course focuses on the procedures for case file management; administrative functions; search and recovery operations; and honor guard."It's a course that pulls Airmen from across the Air Force and all from force support squadrons," continued Greenwood. "You have to be in the Services career field to fill this position."After graduating from the course, mortuary affairs' Air Force specialty code gains a modifier showing they are qualified to accomplish the mortuary affairs mission at home and overseas.It's a challenging job, Trace and Greenwood said, but they're proud to take part in sending their fallen comrades home."They and their family made the ultimate sacrifice," said Greenwood. "We're here to make sure their loved one is handled with dignity, honor and respect in care, service and support for the families."

Consolidated tool kit enables deployed maintainers, aircraft

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Mobility Airmen process deployed personnel for travel

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs8/9/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- While ramp services loads cargo on cargo jets, passenger services loads ... You caught that? Yes, they load passengers and their baggage!The 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron's passenger services section averages more than 85,000 passengers with 3,200 tons of accompanying baggage and nearly 1,000 distinguished visitors annually."We're all one team," said Master Sgt. Trevor Olson, the 8th EAMS passenger services superintendent here on a one year remote tour. "Passengers come through us and we work with all the other agencies within the aerial port of debarkation office to get personnel on their way to wherever they need to go."As air transportation specialists within the passenger services section, Airmen review travel documentation for validity and accuracy and check in passengers and baggage."It's really interesting," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Cameron, an 8th EAMS passenger services specialist deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. "We come across a lot of interesting people and unique situations, and we have to figure out the best way to solve the issue and help the customer in a complete and efficient manner."Much like their counterparts across 8th EAMS, passenger services Airmen establish procedures for processing passengers and loading them and cargo aboard aircraft, and preparing records and reports. They also establish procedures for passenger and aircraft clearance through international border clearance agencies, as well as check in passengers, process, schedule, transport and escort passengers to and from aircraft."What we do is vital as far as getting passengers in and out of the country," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Deckert, the 8th EAMS passenger services supervisor deployed from Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, N.C. "We are one of the largest hubs for personnel transiting in and out of U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility. When we do our job right, people get to where they need to go, whether that is downrange or home to family and friends."Passenger services is in full compliance with the federal Transportation Security Administration providing effective and efficient security for passengers and freight transportation across the globe."TSA prohibits a lot of items," Olson said. "So we help folks understand what they can and can't carry-on the jet with them. We may be at a military installation now, but eventually you're going to transfer to a civilian aircraft and we want everyone to be as prepared as they can be for the trip."As the face of 8th EAMS, passenger services maintains a high-level of professionalism in-line with Air Force core values, Olson said."We spend a lot of time focusing on our customer service skills, dress and appearance, and our facilities," said Olson. "Our facility is as shiny as can be because we want transiting personnel to feel comfortable here."With floors shiny enough to see your reflection, Olson explained how his Airmen strip and wax it regularly so the 'face of the base' maintains appearances. On top of shiny floors, the passenger terminal also has free wireless internet, a United Service Organizations, Inc., center with luxury recliners and couches and gaming systems, a distinguished visitor's lounge and brand new seating for hundreds waiting to fly to their next destination."Just last week we moved nearly 700 passengers in five hours on two different aircraft," Olson said. "On top of making sure everyone has a ticket, we're screening bags and luggage, and loading these items onto the aircraft so everyone has what they need at their next stop."Rated as "Best Terminal in the AOR" in November 2012 by a Multi-Major Command Staff Assistance Visit and a 98 percent customer approval rating through the Air Force's online Interactive Customer Evaluation system, the Air Mobility Command's passenger terminal truly lives up the "Mighty OCHO's" creed of "You need, we move it!"[Editor's note: This article is part six of an eight part series highlighting the unique missions accomplished by the Airmen of 8th EAMS.]

Vehicles on the road, iron in the air

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- With more than 45 different airframes in the Air Force's inventory totaling more than 5,500 aircraft, each one needs expert teams, equipment and ground vehicles to keep them ready to fly at a moment's notice."We keep vehicles on the road to get 'iron' in the air," said Chief Master Sgt. David Matos, the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle fleet manager deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan. "We've got to keep the mission 'rolling' -- it's all about getting those planes in the air."Vehicle management has more than 75 Airmen assigned on six-month rotations. This crew handles an average of 450 work orders a month, with 4,830 repair actions totaling nearly 6,200 hours on the job while maintaining a 91 percent mission capable rate, i.e. in working order, for the entire fleet. Matos said this beat's the U.S. Air Forces Central Command's standard by six percent."The typical maintenance we handle here includes everything from the mobile calls on flightline type vehicles to engine rebuilds, hydraulics, cylinder repairs and rebuilds," said Master Sgt. Richard Hamilton, the 379th ELRS vehicle management foreman deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga. "The vehicles include everything from your pickup trucks all the way up there through your Tunner 60K aircraft cargo loader."Hamilton said his team is responsible for the bumper to bumper maintenance on every one of those vehicles and for ensuring a rapid turnaround rate."Our 24-hour turnaround rate from the point the customer brings the vehicle into us to where we return the vehicle to our customer is on average 69.9 percent. This is incredible for 1,100 vehicles valued at approximately $182 million in a deployed location, where we have every part we get shipped to us."Whether it's a gasoline or diesel engine, a transmission, drive train or an air conditioning system, these Airmen's expertise is vital to the wing's success."I've been deployed eight times and never in my career worked with a harder working group of Airmen," the chief said. "For instance, my guys repaired 33 vehicles in one week -- I've never been at a place that's happened, ever."Vehicle management Airmen inspect, troubleshoot and repair vehicles, schedule and coordinate vehicle maintenance for the entire motor pool and are knowledgeable in the latest computer technology to keep track of the maintenance of all the vehicles on base. They are also responsible for long-range forecasting of maintenance needs based on their knowledge of the vehicles and the people who drive them, and systematically analyze malfunctions by visual and auditory examination or through the use of test equipment."We represent seven different career fields here including everything from our lease maintenance program, customer service, fire truck mechanics, refueling mechanics, etc.," he said. "When people think of vehicle maintenance they think of a mechanic, but there's a lot more to it than just turning wrenches. There are also fleet management personnel keeping track of all those vehicles while completing all the data collections and schedule all the vehicles in for annual maintenance."Vehicle management not only maintains vehicles, but also keeps records for all vehicles and regulates the lease management program as well. This program oversees a lease vehicle fleet size of more than 650 vehicles from nearly 50 organizations across the base."What we do is keep vehicles on the road," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Grove, the 379th ELRS lease vehicle management NCO in charge deployed from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. "We run the base's vehicle control program that helps the Air Force manage what we have to do to keep the vehicles rolling. What we do empowers our unit vehicle control officers so they can accomplish what they need to in their own unit."The vehicle maintenance world at the 379th AEW is vital and according to Hamilton, "Nothing moves without mechanics.""Our vehicle maintenance touches every part of the base," Hamilton said. "Everything happening on this base can't be done without a vehicle. We have more than 160 mission critical vehicles here. Critical vehicles are only dedicated to launching aircraft, sustaining sorties, fire trucks or refuelers, and your 60Ks that load the cargo and material handling equipment. We maintain a 91 percent critical vehicle turnaround rate."Matos said the nearly 45 buses running the base shuttle bus system take up 40 percent of their workload, followed closely by the security forces Humvees. These buses transport roughly 82,000 passengers a month."So without vehicle maintenance, the mission doesn't get done," the chief said. "We have a hand in just about every single function on this base in one form or another.""Supply deliveries can't be made, aircraft fueling can't be done and security forces can't do their patrols without their vehicles we maintain," added Hamilton.

First-ever first sergeant symposium at deployed base

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A First Sergeant Symposium designed to provide information and tools to aspiring first sergeants was held here July 27 and Aug. 3 for the first time ever at a deployed location.First sergeants are the principal advisor to the commander on all issues related to the enlisted force and exercise general supervision over assigned enlisted personnel. Those in attendance at the symposium were introduced to many concepts and experiences first sergeants encounter. The course instructors were first sergeants who used their first-hand experience to drive home their assigned topics."This gives you the tools to keep in mind, to help you as supervisors and first sergeants," said Master Sgt. Melissa Somers, the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant deployed from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., and a course instructor.While originally intended for aspiring first sergeants, the course was also host to supervisors, superintendents and additional duty first sergeants."This has been extremely amazing and very beneficial," said Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Foxx, the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flight medical clinic NCO in charge and additional duty first sergeant deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. "What they taught here really expands on what you learn in NCO academy."Course curriculum ranged from explaining first sergeant responsibilities to administrative paperwork, and from Article 15 processing to domestic violence and sexual assault response. The first sergeants had to limit their class selection to 20, specifically picking items of interest for the deployed Airman."It was a big challenge for us," said Master Sgt. Kevin Swieda, the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron first sergeant deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and a course coordinator. "The course stateside is a four consecutive-day symposium, but with the high operations tempo we have here, we had to condense the material into two non-consecutive days."Swieda said they weren't able to have as many open discussions and panels as the stateside course would as a result of the abridged curriculum, but added how impressed the first sergeants were of the students' dedication as many of them volunteered their days off for this."We rely heavily on these folks to fill in for us," Swieda said. "So this training provides them the information, training, tools and knowledge through Air Force sanctioned training and first-hand stories on how to do what we do."First sergeants must have knowledge of personnel management with emphasis on quality force indicators, personnel and administration; military training; Air Force organization; drill and ceremonies; customs and courtesies; sanitation and hygiene; military justice; and counseling techniques."The most beneficial part of this training for me was the first-hand stories from the first sergeants," Foxx said. "It was very helpful to hear what tools they use and how they cope with difficult situations that may come up, like deaths and non-judicial punishment."Over the span of the two days, nearly 55 seasoned Airmen attended the symposium learning what it takes to take on the roles and responsibilities of becoming a first sergeant."This was an amazing experience and it would be worth doing again," Foxx said.

8th EAMS checks cargo for correct care

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Joint STARS: Mission crews collect life-saving data

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

8th EAMS: “Where’s the waste gone?”

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs