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Wright-Patt aerial porters prepare for deployment

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rodney McNany
  • 445th Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Twenty-three reservists from the 87th Aerial Port Squadron left here in April and another 33 ship out during May for the area of responsibility.

Before deploying, the reservists completed various training requirements to ensure they were ready for the challenges they could face.

"You have to be on top of your game when you go into the AOR (area of responsibility)," said Tech. Sgt. James Potter, a ramp and cargo handler. He speaks from experience since this is his sixth deployment.

"Even though we learn a lot of stuff on deployments, the AOR is not a training environment, nobody is holding your hand...you have to be proficient," said Sergeant Potter.

He went on to say that being proficient gives a person the confidence to handle the unexpected. "We see everything in the AOR," he said.

And then there is the ancillary training requirements.

"Being proficient is paramount because we hit the ground running with as little as three days of turnover from the departing team," said Master Sgt. Robyn Wilson, unit deployment manager.

Reservists are used to self-aid and buddy care training and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidence mass casualty training, but the training takes on more importance as they prepare to deploy overseas.

"I think you pay closer attention because you may actually need to use this training," said Sergeant Wilson.

Senior Airman Justin George echoed those sentiments. A prior-service Soldier, he deployed twice with the Army and once with the Air Force.

"The training really opens your eyes to the reality of where we are going and the things that could happen. It prepares you mentally. They are always coming out with new tools and techniques, all really good stuff," he said.

The 87th APS reservists are deploying for a four-month rotation as the lead aerial port unit for an air base in the AOR. More Airmen from units throughout the United States will join them. (Air Force Reserve Command)