Aerial porters train at Charleston's Patriot Partner

Published April 3, 2007
By Airman Melissa Harper
437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Aerial port reservists from other bases come together two weeks every year to train at Charleston AFB as part of the Patriot Partner Exercises.

These exercises train reservists to take over part of an active-duty aerial port during their annual tours.

Reservists from five other locations participated in the program here March 11-23.

"We were very busy, but it was a great annual tour for these reservists to train here," said Staff Sgt. Martin Childs from Charleston's 437th Aerial Port Squadron.

Nearly 500 active-duty 437th APS Airmen and civilians combined with 136 reservists from the 53rd APS, Pope AFB, N.C.; 69th APS, Andrews AFB, Md.; 74th APS, Lackland AFB, Texas; 85th APS, Hanscom AFB, Mass., and 88th APS, McGuire AFB, N.J.

"It was a total force integration, which was a rewarding opportunity for the reservists and active-duty Airmen at Charleston AFB to work together," said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Olive, 437th APS reserve coordinator.

Planning for this year's program started three months before the training with senior leadership from each squadron. The planners decided on which individuals would work in which section, shift schedules, team leaders for each flight and training needs.

"All of the extra manpower was awesome while both groups worked together to fulfill the same mission," said Sergeant Olive. "It also helped us get the work done easier while it helped them to brush-up on their skills at the same time."

During the two weeks, the aerial port moved 776 passengers, 3,955 cargo tons and handled 316 aircraft.

The reservists worked 12-hour shifts every day to support the aerial port's 24-hour operations.

They were integrated into four flights to handle passenger service, fleet service, aircraft services and air terminal operations.

"It was surprising how so many different people were mixed together so quickly for this short amount of time with minimal conflicts," said Sergeant Olive. "They truly worked together as a team to perform real-world operations.

"This training was also a learning experience for some of our Airmen stationed here as they got to work side-by-side with some of reservists who have years of experience," he said.

"Charleston AFB was really helpful with all of their coordination and cooperation," said Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Hall, 53rd APS operations superintendent. "The active-duty members were very receptive, and we received great hospitality. They were also proactive with helping to train the reservists."