RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Readiness is one of the key goals for Airman, regardless of rank or job title. For 18 members of the 81st Aerial Port Squadron, off-station training in July, 2017, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is a great way to improve themselves professionally by serving at one of the Air Force’s busiest airlift locations.
APS members elected to spend their annual tour by working along side the 721st APS at Ramstein AB, which is the local active duty unit.
“Training over here gives us the opportunity to work with other aircraft that we don’t get to see in Charleston like 747’s, C5’s and 757’s,” said Staff Sgt. Charles Cantrell, an air transportation Airman with the 81st APS. “You just can’t get this type of in-depth training during a uniform training assembly,” he said.
While in Germany, some APS members were able to achieve a certification in the “60K,” an aircraft cargo loader vehicle essential for rapid and efficient loading and unloading of palletized cargo.
In addition to training on vehicles and equipment, APS members also trained with active duty members stationed at Ramstein AB in cargo loading, ramp operations, special handling and passenger terminal operations.
“It is a chance to familiarize yourself with another base and the way they do things there,” said Senior Airman Kyle Miller, an air transportation Airman with the 81st APS. “It’s a different feel here because the port is busier and has a broader mission,” he said.
During their time overseas, aerial porters integrated training with real-world missions in order to accomplish two objectives at once.
“The Airmen coming over here helps them get the training and experience needed to be ready to go when they get back to Charleston,” said Tech. Sgt. David Willi, a supervisor in the 81st APS. “I came here last year with another group and they had the same positive outcome.”
Overall, the ability to travel to another Air Force base across the world and instantly jump into the mission there is not only a benefit to the Airmen attending the their temporary duty assignment, but also a testament to how effective and useful the training and professional development has been thus far in their career.