Travis, Army train in case of emergency

by Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

8/13/2015 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The California Army National Guard 49th Military Police Brigade trained with the 821st Contingency Response Squadron and the 22nd Airlift Squadron Aug. 7 at Travis Air Force Base, California.

Loadmasters and aerial porters from Travis helped Army military police load their vehicles and mobile command post onto a Travis C-5M Super Galaxy to be transported and unloaded at Moffett Federal Airfield, California.

Eagle walk is a two day exercise, but mobility Airmen only participated in day one. After the equipment reaches its destination on day one, the Army will unite at the staging area. On day two, transportation companies are going to pick up elements of the infantry companies and take them to a consolidated training area.

"Our mission as the Homeland Response Force and California Task Force 49 both require that we are prepared to begin movement of critical assets at the six hour mark [after initial notification]," said Army Master Sgt. Jerry Davis, 49th MP Brigade plans NCO in charge. "So, whether that means getting on the highway and driving to Redding, California, or boarding an aircraft at Travis to be transported somewhere else, that's what we have to be ready to do."

According to Davis, having a clear understanding of the air movement process, knowing each specialized area requirements and points of contact, gives the Army the ability to maintain a practiced proficiency and enhances their ability to self-validate and prepare loads properly.

"Next year, the plan is to be bold and aggressive as far as the timeline," said Army Maj.  Eric Sharyer, 49th MP Brigade plans officer."

The key mission of the National Guard is to provide civil support in emergencies and disasters.

Davis said, "I believe joint training with Travis is critical to the readiness of the brigade and allows us to be better prepared for both of our civil support missions.