Squadron Maintains Flight Excellence During COVID-19

 Dec. 29, 2020 | BY AIR FORCE AIRMAN 1ST CLASS TAYLOR SLATER , 86th Airlift Wing

With flight times, delays and seating arrangements, travel by plane can be a monumental task to manage on its own. Add a global pandemic on top, and one may just burst under the strain. 

Fortunately, the Airmen of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron, Ramstein Air base, Germany, are here to help.

Since March, members of the 721st APS have worked tirelessly at the Ramstein Passenger Terminal to make sure the mission continues, and their patrons and employees are kept safe from exposure to COVID-19. 

The initial experience of COVID-19 at the terminal was described as "very fluid," according to Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brandon Mabee, 721st APS noncommissioned officer in charge of passenger services.

"As we get information and implement a process, something else happens and it changes," Mabee said. "Anything that we were doing today could be different by the end of the day."

Managing the COVID-19 guidelines of various countries was a steep challenge for the terminal because different countries had different requirements for border entry. Coordinating those requirements with the f Defense Department's stop movement order and host nation guidance made for a difficult but rewarding challenge for Mabee.

"Having to work out everything on the fly was crazy because this was a real-life scenario. As a noncommissioned officer, I thought logically about how I could solve the problem without infecting or cross-contaminating people," Mabee said. "It was stressful but fun."

Despite the lifting of the stop movement in May, Mabee emphasized that many of its rules are still in effect with space available travel limited to travelers with emergency leave or exceptions to policy.

The terminal also established new rules as the pandemic progressed. Tape was placed in queues to mark social distancing guides and hand sanitizer stations were installed. Patrons must wear face coverings and undergo a brief screening process before entering the building.

"Please be ready to wear your [face covering] from the moment you enter this terminal all the way until you leave the building at your destination," Mabee said. "There have been a few cases where people caused issues, and they could have been removed from their flight and placed on a no-fly list for a period of time." 

As important measures were taken to increase passenger safety, the terminal also helped ensure the health of their employees. Airmen from the 721st APS split into minimal manning shifts to mitigate exposure. In addition, night shift airmen sanitize the terminal every night to keep people safe. 

"It's been a learning process for us," Mabee said. 

Air Force Staff Sgt. Domingo Gutierrez, 721st APS passenger services supervisor, enjoys his job despite the challenge because of the opportunity to guide his airmen through COVID-19 and show them how important their position is.

"A lot of people go throughout their day and think, 'Oh I'm just signing up passengers,'" Gutierrez said. "But then they see life come into someone's eyes when they learn they can get on their flight and see their family members in critical care. These are real-life struggles and this is how you impact the mission."

Mabee saw a silver lining in witnessing various units come together to combat the COVID-19 crisis. 

"[We recognized], 'Okay, this sucks, but we're going to get through it,'" Mabee said. 

Overall, Guittierez shared some crucial advice for future patrons: show up early, check your flight numbers and make sure your pet is booked correctly.

"Most of us own pets," Mabee said. "We couldn't imagine being told we can't get on a plane with them."

For more information on flights, pet travel and other situations the Ramstein Passenger Terminal can be reached at DSN 479-4411 and commercially at 06371-46-4441. The latest information on flight departures can also be found on the Ramstein Passenger Terminal Facebook page.

(Airman 1st Class Taylor Slater is assigned to 86th Airlift Wing.)