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20th LRS ships out 55th FS

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron prepare a 60K-Loader while processing cargo at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 1, 2015. The Airmen were loading cargo onto an aircraft in preparation for an upcoming 55th Fighter Squadron deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jensen Stidham/Released)

20th LRS ships out 55th FS

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron, wait for cargo to reach the end of a 60K-Loader at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 1, 2015. The 20th LRS spent several days loading 285 tons of cargo onto various aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jensen Stidham/Released)

20th LRS ships out 55th FS

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Caleb Stroud, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation apprentice, helps load baggage into the cargo hold of an aircraft at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 6, 2015. The 20th LRS was heavily involved in the logistics of the deployment, from scheduling and planning airlifts, to the loading of the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kelsey Tucker/Released)

20th LRS ships out 55th FS

Published Oct. 20, 2015
By Senior Airman Michael Cossaboom
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Prepping, packing, and departing for a deployment is a huge undertaking, however, it is a welcomed task by the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen.

Before the 55th Fighter Squadron deployed for six months to the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 8, the 20th LRS Airmen helped ensure all the Airmen and equipment were ready to go.

"The 20th LRS plays a critical and vital role in the deployment of aviation units," said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Griffith, 20th LRS deployment distribution flight superintendent. "We start planning anywhere from six to 12 months out depending on the size of the deployment."

The squadron overseas scheduling and planning airlifts, loading aircraft, and working with unit deployment managers to prioritize the cargo.

"The 20th LRS is responsible for deploying these fighters worldwide anytime at any moment," said Griffith. "The Shaw mission would not happen as seamlessly and effortlessly as it would without the 20th LRS."

Sixty Airmen, augmented from various entities within the 20th LRS, worked 24-hours a day to get the 55th FS to their deployed location.

"Before we send the unit out the door, the unit and ourselves get together and do a joint inspection," said Staff Sgt. Victor Boyd, 20th LRS deployment instructor. "We check to make sure all the cargo is air worthy and make sure that nothing is going to damage the aircraft, cargo, or anyone on the aircraft."

The deployment of more than 250 Airmen and 285 tons of cargo is just one of many contributions the 20th LRS provides to successfully accomplish the 20th Fighter Wings mission.