Joining forces, increasing effectiveness

by 2nd Lt. Steven Lane
733rd Air Mobility Squadron

1/24/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Third Marine Expeditionary Force has been a staple on Okinawa, Japan since World War II. The MEF is forward-deployed here in order to safe-guard American and our allies' interests in Asia and they cover a spectrum of humanitarian aid, amphibious assault, and combat operations.

In order to be ready at all times for their nation's calling, the Marines undergo bi-annual troop movements. They completely "swap out" with fresh troops to ensure force capability. This swap is called a Unit Deployment Program.

This UDP is a large logistical effort involving the movements of approximately 3,500 personnel through the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron terminal every six months. Marines do not own outsized transport aircraft; instead, they rely heavily on Air Mobility Command and contracted airlift for their large troop deployments. This is a key strategic decision, which allows a seamless transition for the troops arriving in theater to immediately begin supporting operations.

The UDP brings in Marine forces like the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, 2nd Battalion, and the 1st Marines based at Camp Pendleton, Calif. These units come over and provide a multitude of platforms; anything from a United States humanitarian role model to bilateral exercises as the designated Battalion Landing Team MEU force. The deployment program enables extensive training and increased readiness for both Airmen and Marines alike.

That is when the Airmen of the 733rd AMS at Kadena Air Base come into the picture. The 733rd AMS receives and delivers these Marines.

"We always know that UDP time means a huge influx of our passenger numbers and we are here to facilitate their movements," said Staff Sgt. Brianna McNab, a passenger service supervisor for the 733rd AMS. "The 733rd is the single point of contact between the III MEF and the carrier aircraft; everything we do is truly a team effort."

Along with the partnership of III MEF Marines, this process has been streamlined exponentially. The original process left the Marines to fend for themselves on the flightline with minimal experience and the daunting task; to download and upload 350 passengers in less than three hours. The task may seem overwhelming to ground forces, but the 733rd AMS does this kind of movement regularly. The process has since been simplified with a new logistical coordination between the two teams.

"The Marines can do what they do best and we will do what we do best," said Master Sgt. Jessica Coombs, 733rd AMS Passenger Services superintendent.

According to Coombs, the terminal will be responsible for all aerial port debarkation procedures that service members would encounter during a typical military movement.

Transportation to and from aircraft, organization of baggage download, and booking of passengers are all operations handled by the 733rd AMS daily. The Marines can then focus on the transportation from the terminal to home-stations.

"This operation is the first thing that incoming Marines see of Okinawa, and we want to demonstrate a solid partnership as the first boot touches the ground," said Lt. Col Jupe Etheridge, 733rd AMS commander. "The organization and rapid movement benefits the morale and wellness of America's troops in the East. Building mobility partnerships are a must to the success of our operations and sister services are forced to rely upon one another. This is the true meaning of joint operations."