Reserve aerial porters complete annual training at McChord

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Reserve aerial port Airmen from the 56th Aerial Port Squadron at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., recently completed two weeks annual training with the help of the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron here.

Approximately 19 Airmen joined ranks with the 62nd APS Airmen to work in sections such as the air terminal operations center, ramp, cargo, load planning and the passenger terminal to fulfill their annual training requirements. Many of the Reserve Airmen were also able to complete certification on several vehicles like the forklifts and the loading vehicles.

"We received so much hands-on training for real world missions that we don't normally get back home," said Staff Sgt. Dewayne Martin, 56th APS. "I was able to certify on every vehicle and push real pallets for real missions rather than stage a scenario with an empty pallet."

Each year, Reserve Airmen must complete two weeks of full-time training to stay current on methods and processes and to prepare for temporary duty assignments or deployments. The Reserve component selects the active duty base where they would like to train and arraignments can be made.

"We handle everything from lodging and transportation, to making sure all their training needs are met," said Staff Sgt. Hector Jimenez, 62nd APS, Reserve coordinator. "This year we have a Reserve group joining us every two weeks until September."

It'll be a busy summer, he added.

With Reserve Airmen integrating into the daily schedule of the aerial port, the 62nd Airmen have a little bit of extra help around their sections, as well as the opportunity to receive feedback about the equipment and resources, methods and current processes required to keep the aerial port running smoothly.

"The Reserve Airmen fully integrate into our squadron and become part of the routine," said Maj. Gregory Kuzma, 62nd APS deputy commander. "They work right alongside our active duty Airmen and also provide a different perspective to our processes and procedures, so they have a chance to let us know if we can do things better and more efficiently."

So far, the 56th APS Airmen didn't see a need for change and were very satisfied with the level of training and support they received.

"We brought a lot of Airmen who covered almost every section of APS," said Master Sgt. Sarah Kraft, 56th APS team chief. "We have some deploying really soon so refresher training was critical. The willingness to help and the level of knowledge McChord's Airmen had was outstanding and we were able to accomplish our training goals during our stay here."

The Reserve Airmen from the 56th APS close their two weeks here, but the journey continues for the 62nd APS Airmen who will welcome the next group within just a few days.

"I'm glad we have a chance to help enrich the training for Reserve Airmen," Sergeant Jimenez said. "It reminds us we are one team, one fight and that the mission relies on all members, Reserve and Active, to count."