Team Yokota prepares for upcoming exercise

by Staff Sgt. Andrea Salazar
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

2/28/2014 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Preparation was the buzzword for members of Team Yokota this week, as they began to get ready for next week's Samurai Readiness Inspection at Yokota Air Base.

The purpose of the inspection is to help provide unit and group leaders with feedback about how well their people and programs are prepared, trained and compliant. This will be the first time Yokota is practicing many of the skills that will be tested in next week's exercise since moving to the new Air Force Wing Inspection Team concept.

As a key element to Yokota's mission as the primary airlift hub for the Western Pacific, the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron delivers equipment to personnel and aircraft to fulfill wartime missions and deployments. With more than 190,000 items and $36 million in assets, the supply section plays a crucial role that impacts the wing's mission.

"We help process deploying personnel by giving them the required equipment to ensure tasked Airmen deploy quickly and efficiently," said Airman 1st Class Angel Sanchez, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron individual personnel equipment technician. "Before people deploy, we test as many masks as possible and inventory everything we have to support Yokota's mobility requirements."

As information regarding the exercise began coming out this week, the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepared aircraft for rapid mobility response. Maintainers were given a four hour timeline to install a C-130 Hercules aircraft nose landing gear and flight deck armor, but the team was able to accomplish the task in just one and a half hours.

"Equipping aircraft with the necessary items quickly and correctly is critical to the mission," Staff Sgt. Aaron Wermy, 374th AMXS maintainer said. "Remaining a positive attitude and a state of urgency to get the job done is essential for mission success."

While the exercise will be challenging, the Airmen of Yokota will be up to the task according to Col. Mark August, 374th Airlift Wing commander.

"Next week will be a challenge, but we will demonstrate our ability to defend this installation and deliver Professional Airlift," he said. "In doing so, we will showcase what it takes to be the Best Wing in the Pacific."