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Ordinary people doing the extraordinary

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Gary Johnson
  • AFRC Recruiting Service Public Affairs
Charleston Air Force Base, SC --  The Pacific Express mission is a great example of the Air Force Reserve providing airlift support all over the world. 

The Pacific Express is a recurring dedicated mission providing global reach through out the Pacific Rim. This mission provides a carrier for opportune cargo and passengers. 

Air Force Reserve units such as the 317th Airlift Squadron play a vital role. 

"The 317th does a lot of flying to Europe and Downrange," said Capt. Scott Huebel, Aircraft Commander. "This Pacific Express Mission offers us new challenges. This mission gives us a chance to negotiate courses and air strips we are unfamiliar with." 

Considerable effort and preparation goes into each flight, beginning with scheduling and coordination. Numerous Air Force and Air Force Reserve maintenance professionals ensure the aircraft is serviced at each stop with safety being the number one concern. Checklists are utilized to assure consistency and regulation compliance. 

The C-17 and its six person crew departed Charleston AFB, S.C., headed to Japan with stops in California, Alaska and Washington on its flight plan. 

During the first stop at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., cargo was offloaded and more was loaded by the 60th Airlift Squadron. 

Air Force Reservists receive the same training as active duty personnel ensuring top performance as "An Unrivaled Wingman." 

An active duty aerial porter, Staff Sgt. Joaquin Chacon said, "There are three reserve aerial port squadrons here. Integrated crews work well together and never miss a beat. The professionalism and knowledge are equal." 

Aerial porters and loadmasters work in conjunction to load cargo and passengers. 

While aerial porters ensure the pallets are packed correctly and passengers are processed efficiently, the loadmasters are responsible for loading the aircraft, inlcuding calculating the correct weight distribution and monitoring the jet's intricate systems while in flight.
On this flight, special safety measures were taken while loading the C-17 with "hot" cargo, explosive ordinance. 

Senior Master Sgt. Randy Munroe, a reserve loadmaster with the 317th AS, explained, "My job is to ensure the security of the cargo we carry and the safety of the other crew members." 

"This is my first time flying with an Air Force Reserve crew. They perform their jobs with a high level of expertise and have fun while doing it," said Staff Sgt. Joe Poltor, a loadmaster assigned to the 437th Operations Support Squadron, Charleston AFB. 

The next stops included Elmendorf AFB, Ak., and Yokota Air Base, Japan. 

After two days in Japan, the mission headed back to Elmendorf AFB with Maj. Jason Williams, a reserve pilot with the 317th Airlift Squadron, Charleston AFB, in the left seat. 

"This is the best of both worlds. The Air Force Reserve allows me to serve my country while pursuing a civilian career," said Maj. Williams, currently on leave-of-absence from his commercial pilot position. 

The last stop on the road home was to McChord AFB, Wash., where the "hot" cargo was offloaded by members of the 62nd APS. 

Master Sgt. Alan Kelly of the 62nd said, "I have been in the reserve for over 20 years. Morale is high in the reserve because people are here because they want to be." 

After a quick-turn, the mission started its last leg back to home base. 

The six crew members now head home to their loved ones, knowing later they will be called upon again to be "An Unrivaled Wingman."