An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Port Dawg Challenge builds moral, showcases expertise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Meredith A. H. Thomas
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Saturday saw the meeting of two worthy teams of opponents as the 38th and 81st Aerial Port Squadrons, both of the 315th Airlift Wing here, joined forces to compete in the first annual Port Dawg Challenge.

The event started out as an opportunity to bring both squadrons together on the same Unit Training Assembly weekend in order to practice and prepare for the Air Force Reserve Command's Air Transportation competition, which typically takes place every other year at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.

However, according to Maj. Thomas Klauer, operations officer with the 38th APS, recent budget constraints forced the organizers of the AFRC event to cancel the competition, leaving the 315th AW's aerial port squadrons with a unique opportunity to create their own version of the challenge to fill the void.

"Our commanders came up with the idea and we all really ran with it," Klauer said. "We took the time to organize our own mini Port Dawg Challenge that we could hold in house in order to develop camaraderie between the squadrons, improve on the skills needed to complete our core missions, and build moral at the same time."

Members of both squadrons took place in a friendly battle of brawn and brains, demonstrating their prowess in five different events, which included: pallet loading, load planning, a forklift obstacle course, simulated passenger processing, and a joint inspection of a vehicle.

Capt. Franklin Rinaca, logistics readiness officer for the 81st APS, was instrumental in planning the event. Rinaca reviewed the competition guidelines set out by AFRC and used them as a model for the Charleston challenge.

"We see this as an opportunity for our Air Trans Airmen to showcase their expertise in the career field through a bit of friendly competition," Rincaca said.

A mixed team of umpires from each squadron oversaw the Reservists' performance during the timed component events and awarded points for proper procedure, adherence to safety standards, and general knowledge among other criteria.

In the end, the 38th Aerial Port Squadron pulled out a narrow victory, taking home a specially designed traveling trophy and bragging rights until next year, when the two squadrons will likely meet again for another local Port Dawg Challenge.

The day ended with an award presentation and celebration enjoyed by participants from both squadrons. The Port Dawg Challenge was praised by315th Mission Support Group deputy transportation commander, Lt. Col. Jerome McLin, who said he would like to see more events like it in the future.

"It was great to be out there this morning to see the competition and camaraderie," McLin said. "Wouldn't it be great if we were always so excited to train during our UTAs? I think these kinds of events foster that type of environment. My thanks to those that worked so hard behind the scenes to make this one happen."