An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
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.

Reserve aerial porters support Operation Enduring Freedom

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  About 30 reservists assigned to Dover's 512th Airlift Wing are moving critical supplies and personnel in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

They are from the  71st Aerial Port Squadron, Langley AFB, Va., and are deployed as part of the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. They are providing logistics support by loading and unloading cargo from aircraft to transport supplies and equipment from all bases in the continental United States and overseas.

"Our personnel have exceeded expectations while performing their mission," said Chief Master Sgt. Larry Steadman, 71st APS superintendent. "The workload has been very demanding, and they have accomplished their mission safely and with pride."

Since December, the unit has handled a total of 4,992 aircraft, processed 238,000 passengers and 6,675 tons of baggage, said Chief Steadman, who is also the chief enlisted manager with the 386th ELRS. In addition to the passengers and baggage, 21,709 tons of cargo and 10 tons of mail were delivered globally. From the cargo, 6,250 tons were ammunition from 160 missions. To top everything off, more than 100 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and cargo were transported in support of four unit moves, he added.

Chief Steadman gives credit to all assigned 386th ELRS personnel when it comes to the unit's achievements.

The mission would not have been accomplished without the combined efforts of all the port personnel assigned here, he said.

The port is made up of Regular Air Force and Air Force Reserve Airmen, mostly from Langley AFB; Travis AFB, Calif.; Charleston AFB, S.C.; Altus AFB, Okla.; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Senior Airman William Jacobs, 71st APS cargo personnel, says learning on the job helps meet mission challenges.

"I have met the goals of the mission by constantly learning how to be a good Airman, leader and productive member of the ramp office," he said.

An important factor in maintaining mission accomplishments is keeping morale up, said Chief Steadman.

Morale is very good here, said Chief Steadman. Port personnel have pride in job performance and accomplishments.
 
Monthly awards are given out to outstanding performers, along with letters of evaluation and achievement awards, said Chief Steadman.. Morale Warfare and Readiness brings in musicians, performers, and other events on a regular basis for relaxation and enjoyment. Internet is also provided so Airmen can stay in touch family through social media.

Airman Jacobs, says high morale also comes from building strong relationships with other deployed personnel.

"Morale is good due to the fact that most of us have formed close bonds, which helps us during rough days," said the 386th ELRS ramp team chief. "The best way to maintain morale is to work together and build relationships."

Experience is also a factor that keeps the deployment going smoothly as indicated by Chief Steadman.

Some people are on their second or third deployment, said Chief Steadman. They are just as proficient in their jobs as their Regular Air Force counterparts.

Senior Airman Jennifer Pottinger, 71st APS cargo processor, says this deployment has given her more job experience.

"A lot of us had never been deployed before so there was a lot of learning involved," said the 386th ELRS dispatcher. "Now we are performing duties without hesitation. When we don't know how to handle a situation that arises, we know how to find the answers."

Chief Steadman said the unit continues to press on through the high-operations tempo mission. Airmen are due to return home later this summer.