732nd AMS supports the joint force during NE 21

Photo By Staff Sgt. Adriana Barrientos | Airmen assigned to the 732d Air Mobility Squadron load cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, on the flightline at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 1, 2021, in support of Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, control and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adriana Barrientos)  

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, UNITED STATES

05.05.2021

Story by Senior Airman Adriana Barrientos 

Pacific Air Forces

More than 240 land-based aircraft will execute high-end scenarios above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and in the Gulf of Alaska during Exercise Northern Edge 2021 (NE21), and while the jets take to the skies, there is one team that is at the heart of their logistical support: the 732d Air Mobility Squadron (AMS).

Mobility Airmen assigned to the 732d AMS ordinarily support everyone who transits through Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER).

The Airmen of the 732d AMS assigned to JBER directly supported NE21 by inspecting cargo, transporting personnel, and maintaining aircraft for several different units before and after aircraft departures. Air Terminal Operations Center (ATOC) information controllers assigned to the 732d AMS, like U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jayme Williams, were among the ground team making it all happen.

“Really, we’re in charge of getting everything on and off these aircraft,” said Williams.

NE21 is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercise designed to provided high-end, realistic war fighter training, develop and improve joint interoperability, and enhance the combat readiness of participating forces. Held every odd year, the venue allowed the 732d AMS team an opportunity to hone critical interoperability skills.

“Our Huskies at the 732d touch every aircraft that carries passengers or cargo that arrives and departs JBER 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said U.S. Air Force Lt Col Laura Challe, 732d AMS commander. “Along with our partners at the 673d Air Base Wing (ABW), we play a pivotal role in the reception, deployment, sustainment, and redeployment of Northern Edge operations and objectives.

Mobility is at the forefront of every war, and our Airmen are dedicated to the mission success of providing AMC capabilities at both Eielson Air Force Base as well as JBER.”

Along with the 673d ABW, the mobility squadron collaborates with the 176th Wing Air National Guard, and U.S. Army Alaska for personnel and aircraft movements, providing them services and maintaining their readiness as well. NE21 specifically enhances interoperability and prepares units for future joint force operations.

The 732d AMS is an Air Mobility Command asset assigned to JBER, a Pacific Air Forces base, that focuses on mobility support for personnel and aircraft before and after flights. AMS is divided into three flights, including the Air Mobility Command and Control (AMCC) Flight, Maintenance Flight, and the Aerial Port Flight.

Operation controllers within AMCC are responsible for managing the mission and aircrew from the departure of the aircraft at their previous station until its departure from JBER, ensuring all tasks are met on time. In the same manner, ATOC coordinates all ground services, including managing the movement of cargo and passengers transported in the military airlift system.
The maintenance operations center provides aircraft maintenance support for all AMC aircraft at home station or transiting through. Aircraft refueling and inspections, and joint inspections — when working with different services — are executed by the 732d AMS Maintenance Flight.

“We get to step into roles that we haven’t stepped in normally, anything from offering a joint inspection on cargo, to transportation for travelers inbound, to providing aircraft with fleet services,” said Williams.

NE21 is among the many missions the 732d AMS contributes to. Air mobility Airmen are from America’s only arctic joint base to deploy mission-ready forces across the globe. The joint-force training provides centered joint-force scenarios, and the men and women of the 732d AMS are up for the challenge.

• Date Taken: 05.05.2021
• Date Posted: 05.07.2021 12:18
• Story ID: 395756
• Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US