Photo By Sgt. Marshall Thompson | Airman 1st Class Aaron Priest, an air transportation journeyman working for the 332nd...... read more read more
A small detachment of airmen work in northern Iraq helping the Army and civilians accomplish their mission.
Members of the 332d Expeditionary Logistics Squadron Detachment 2 at Q-West Base Complex provide support for the Army's movement control team and passengers moving on and off the base.
"We're working hand in hand with the Army," said Master Sgt. Steven Baker, the detachment NCOIC. "The systems are different but we integrate to see the same things."
Baker said his people are able to overcome the obstacle through personnel coordination to make sure things run smoothly.
"I enjoy working with the Army. They are very professional," said Senior
Airman Joe Sandaho, a transient alert crew chief with the 332d.
Airman 1st Class Aaron Priest, an air transportation journeyman, had similar sentiments about working with the Army. Priest said it's nice to have a chance to show the other services what the Air Force can contribute to the fight.
"With all the branches working together it's a chance to prove we are motivated to accomplish the mission," said Priest.
The 332d openly communicates with the Soldiers working for the MCT, which offers both teams a chance to solve problems or be proactive in most aspects of cargo and personnel movement.
"Normally we would take care of everything," Baker said. "It's different here. It changes your mindset on how things work; you often have to rethink your processes."
The 332d helps track passengers and cargo, while inspecting loads for flights, making sure cargo is air worthy, and hazardous materials meet all requirements for flying. The detachment helps entire units move from one post to another by moving personnel and inspecting their equipment for the move.
"Back home we do all of the maintenance and cargo checks," said Sandaho. "Now we are in charge of security on the flight line. Security is new for us and has been a learning experience."
Sandaho said the leadership has helped them learn and excel at the mission. He explained the challenges their new job offered them was worth it to help passengers fly in and out of QBC.
Baker admitted the most rewarding part of their job is to move passengers out of the country for leave.
Baker has tried to instill the idea that an efficient shop makes their job easier and it gives their replacements a better chance for success.
"We make sure everything is running correctly, this way the new unit can jump in and take over without interruptions," said Baker.
Baker is proud of the work the detachment has accomplished. Their work has a bigger impact than helping the new unit take over; they help keep combat logistics patrols to a minimum on the roads of Iraq.
"It made our crew feel better getting people out of harm's way," Baker said. "We have lessened convoys out here and hopefully it will continue and take more convoys off the road."
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2006 13:29 |
| Story ID: | 6769 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 20 |
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