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"Port Dawgs" support 20 FW combat readiness around globe

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Ann Blodzinski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Walking outside the deployment processing center, the Shaw flight line had more than the usual F-16 Fighting Falcons lined up on Aug. 19.

A rare site occurred at 4:20 p.m. when a C-5 Galaxy flew in to pick up cargo and was promptly followed up 40-minutes later by a Boeing-737 filled with Nellis Green Flag West 11-9 returning personnel from the 55th Fighter Squadron and the 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Nine Airmen from the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron small air terminal worked late Friday to load up the C-5 from Westover, Mass., with 68,000 pounds of aerospace ground equipment to support multiple F-16 flying missions around the globe. In the middle of that arduous task, the same maintainers off-loaded the Boeing-737 personnel, their gear and luggage.

While the 20th Fighter Wing is busy supporting combatant commanders at various deployed locations the 20th LRS "Port Dawgs" ensure the right cargo is coming on and off each and every aircraft on the flight line.

"It generally takes about six months to plan out what supplies will be needed for the load," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Veisler, 20th LRS load planner. "Then it will take about two days to prepare for the load."

Although it was a big task, the "Port Dogs" handled the load faster than usual.

"Our average time for loading a C-5 is about three hours," he added. "This time it only took about two and a half. Between us and the air crew, we were able to get the job done quickly."

But, the fast reaction time could not have happened without teamwork.

"It takes a total team effort to prepare and load an aircraft," said Maj. David Defresne, 20th LRS operations officer. "We have a great core group to get the job done and are always good to go."
Master Sgt. Scott Host , NCOIC of the small air terminal was seen prepositioning the  Tunner 60K Loader to upload cargo to the C-5 Galaxy, right after moving stairs to the Boeing-737 aircraft and unloading all the gear.

The 20th FW LRS has been very busy this year with approximately 234,529 pounds of cargo moved since April of this year. Every load has been on time, with no delays according to Host.

"Anything that leaves Shaw AFB, we are involved," said Host.

The C-5 aircrew was a team of 18 from the 349th Wing out of Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

"Air Combat Command fighter bases only allow the best support," said Master Sgt. Eric Priest, 349th Wing air crew. "They are the best prepared and allow for a quick load."