Reserve C-5, C-17 airlift wings join forces in Patriot Express exercise

by Senior Airman Alexander Brown
439th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

8/26/2014 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Flexible is defined as the ability to easily modify and respond to altered circumstances or conditions. That's exactly what the 47 Westover and March Air Reserve Base and Joint Base Charleston Airmen exemplified during "Patriot Express," a periodic Air Force Reserve Command air mobility exercise that took place here, Aug. 13-18.

Nine different units from the Massachusetts, California and South Carolina reserve wings made this exercise possible.

The goal of the exercise was to prepare and train Airmen for potential deployments, making them even more proficient at their jobs. The goal of the mission was to coordinate between all members in a mock deployed location between the aircraft, ground crew, and communication elements.

"A contingency response element is the front line of command and control, comprised of experienced airlift and operations personnel to manage coordinate and control air mobility assets," said Lt. Col. Gilbert Kesser, director of operations.

Even when having to juggle a multitude of different tasks, this group of Airmen successfully completed 33 landings and take-offs in 72 hours. Other tasks included landing and parking the aircraft, on and offloading equipment, creating loading plans, weighing cargo, creating manifests, participating in active shooter drills and much more.

The challenges began as soon as the crew landed. Either a voice or data connection to home base had to be made within 30 minutes of landing. Meanwhile, Airmen are off-loading all their equipment and setting up the Hard-sided Expandable Lightweight Air Mobility Shelter. This is the primary communication hub for air-to-ground transmissions.

"It's a group effort, everyone needs to understand and complete their roll but be willing help everyone else in theirs," Tech Sgt. Lui Puga, who worked in communications.

A load planner must carefully create a plan to ensure the safety of the aircraft when transporting cargo.

"Plans constantly change and we all have to be flexible," said Senior Airman Lyndsay Snow, 42nd Aerial Port Squadron.

Training involved Airmen who had never previously participated in any real-world exercises. At any time, an Airman was doing something for the first time with a trainer behind him or her.

Out of the 47 Airmen who participated in the exercise, nine were in training status and still were able to on and offload more than 330 tons of cargo during "Patriot Express."

Esprit de corps was evident throughout the exercise.

"All of the people here are great to work with," said Tech Sgt. Steven Frost, a load planner with the 42nd APS.

As the last aircraft took off at the end of the exercise the "Patriot Express" Airmen had successfully and safely processed and completed all the missions.

"This is the first time there have been no delays during one of these exercises," said Kesser.