Rapid response: 689th RPOE trains with 633rd LRS

by Staff Sgt. Jarad A. Denton
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

11/20/2013 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Slowly and methodically the Humvee rolled onto the metal platform inside the Small Air Terminal at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Nov. 19. The vehicle's bulky frame depressed the steel plate as its weight was digitally recorded.

"It's critical to move through this inspection as quickly as possible," said U.S. Army Capt. Charles Greene, as Soldiers from Fort Eustis' 689th Rapid Port Opening Element encircled the vehicle. "We need to be 'wheels up' in 12 [hours] so we can get to the mission."

The inspection was part of a joint exercise that combined the tools, training and talent of Joint Base Langley-Eustis Soldiers and Airmen. It tested how quickly they could mobilize, pack, prepare and secure cargo for transport in support of disaster relief or crisis response.

"This is the third time we have trained this way with Langley Airmen," Green said. "Each time has been more productive than the last."

Greene, the 689th RPOE detachment commander, said from the moment his unit is notified of a crisis they have 12 hours to mobilize and be airborne to anywhere in the world - ready to help those in need.

The Soldiers inspecting the Humvee were training with Airmen from Langley's 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron to ensure their equipment was ready to be loaded on an aircraft at a moment's notice.

"This exercise is incredibly important," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nathan Rust, 633rd LRS air terminal supervisor. "We need to know if the cargo and rolling stock is properly prepared and air-worthy so it can be sent downrange."

Downrange for the 689th RPOE could mean going anywhere in the world, as was the case in 2010 when the element flew to Haiti and responded to one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. With the possibility of deploying at a moment's notice, the Soldiers worked with Airmen to measure, weigh, secure, clean and inspect the vehicles and cargo. They trained to identify and fix any deficiencies on the spot.

"We work in the field as a joint task force," Greene said. "We need to train at home the same way."

As the Humvee inspection continued, Soldiers recorded data, which the Airmen then calculated to determine the precise center of balance of the vehicle. If the information was wrong, it could cause the aircraft to become unbalanced and crash.

In addition to properly balancing cargo, the joint team must ensure all hazardous materials and possible contaminants are safely removed before transport.

"Everyone understands how important this training is," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Hasberry, 689th RPOE mobility noncommissioned officer. "It all comes down to achieving mission success by working together and putting the mission first."