Airmen Participate in Joint C-17 Training

by Staff Sgt. Shane Hughes
180th Fighter Wing

8/7/2015 - Toledo, Ohio -- Airmen from the 180th Fighter Wing participated in a joint multi-unit Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft training exercise from June 3-8, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The training provided Airmen with an opportunity to practice realistic scenarios with other military units and civil authorities as a way to help build strong working relationships and improve deployment capabilities.

Members of the Ohio Air National Guard, the U.S. Air Force Reserves, U.S Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Ohio Red Cross, Ohio Disaster Medical Assistance Team and U.S. Customs and Border Protection participated in the training.

During the event, Airmen learned about the proper preparation and loading of a C-17. The training covered a wide range of topics including vehicle preparation, pallet building, winching, chain restraint procedures, trailer uploads and heavy equipment uploads.

"Most of our Airmen never seen any of the heavy equipment they're training on," said Master Sgt. Craig Essert, the load trainer noncommissioned officer-in-charge for the 89th Airlift Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. "They'll be much better prepared if they have to do this during a deployment, which helps them be more efficient and reduces the risk of damaging any gear or the aircraft in the process."

The training also incorporated aeromedical evacuation procedures including loading and unloading patients, and in-flight emergency medical response, such as resuscitating a simulated patient experiencing cardiac arrest while flying.

"This was a great opportunity for our Airmen to build teamwork and relationships with people from other organizations we don't normally train with," said Master Sgt. Rob Garcia, a load instructor with the 89th AS. "It will really help us be more effective if we need to work with other agencies in the future."

"This was a great event that demonstrated a joint effort, highlighting Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, government agencies and community partners working and training together to become better and more efficient at what they do," said Lt. Col. Steven Agard, commander of the 180th FW Logistics Readiness Squadron. "Outstanding training was provided and everyone learned and improved."