by Airman 1st Class Jordan Castelan
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
9/6/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- More
than a dozen C-130 and C-17 aircraft from two continents and six states
are providing tactical airlift from the power projection platform known
as Ramstein Air Base for Exercise Steadfast Javelin II.
The NATO-led exercise, taking place Aug. 31st through Sept. 11th here,
includes active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen collaborating with
paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne)
and multinational forces to prepare U.S., NATO Allies and European
security partners to conduct unified land operations.
Combat airlift plays a pivotal role in the exercise's overall mission
success, however the flying mission begins well before takeoff.
"Our timeline begins regularly five hours or more before we take to the
air," said Tech. Sgt. Mathew Merkley, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster.
"Before an aircraft can take to the skies, loadmasters and crew chiefs
examine the aircraft from tail to nose."
Operation specifics vary widely from mission to mission, but the
responsibility of the aircraft lies with the aircrew operating it.
"I'm responsible for this [C-130J] Super Hercules," said Senior Airman
Christian McDevitt, 37th AS loadmaster. "Pilots, passengers and cargo
rely on me to ensure the safe and proper packaging and distribution of
whatever we might be carrying. It is up to me and my fellow loadmasters
to safely deliver our manifest."
Airmen remaining properly positioned are also a factor when handling real-world and exercise situations.
"We at the 37th AS stand constantly on alert and ready for whatever life
may throw our way," said Capt. Clayton Martin, 37th AS pilot.
"Operationally speaking we are called upon to supply safe, accurate,
fast and successful airlift power within our area of operation and we
make it our duty to do so."
By maintaining an always ready posture, the 37th AS prepared themselves
to fluidly and effectively work with the 1st Bn., 503rd Inf. Regt. while
refreshing their interoperability with multi-national forces.
"The constant training and interactions with the people we support
allows us to understand the needs and necessities of the Army, or any
partners to successfully complete their objectives," said Martin.
As the propellers stop spinning, the loadmasters complete final checks
and the pilots stretch their legs after a long flight, once again the
loadmasters and pilots of the 37th AS completed another mission
successfully.
"Tonight we were able to drop 4,000 pounds of cargo along with 36
paratroopers quickly, accurately and most importantly safely," said
Airman 1st Class Emily Mitchell, 37th AS loadmaster. "It's a thrilling
experience to know I'm bringing these soldiers and their fight to the
drop zone."
Whether it is cargo, passengers, humanitarian aid or paratroopers the
37th AS and their aircrew are ready to deliver on time and target
wherever they are tasked to fly.
Monday, September 08, 2014
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