WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The buzz of a generator and idle of a diesel engine accompanied the cool summer morning as Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing trained on two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
During the June 4 unit training assembly, Airmen with the 445th Operations Support Squadron, 89th Airlift Squadron, 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 87th Aerial Port Squadron trained together on the flightline using two C-17 statics as their training site.
The 87th APS, or “Port Dawgs,” rotated through generator training, vehicle tie-down and pallet loading on the first C-17. They worked together to load and unload pallets that were three pallet lengths in size, also called T3 pallets.
The AMXS and 89th AS cycled through fueling, generators and engine oil on the second C-17. The crews received hands-on training with attaching and detaching the fuel hose and how to open panels on the aircraft to visually monitor and service oil for each of the four engines on the aircraft.
“Completing CBTs is one thing,” Master Sgt. Todd Gnat, 445th Operations Support Squadron current operations training event planner, said about computer-based training. “Actually getting out here and doing it, and getting your hands on the aircraft, that is another.”
Gnat added that the realistic training was designed to enhance their job proficiency.
“I think the addition of the APS into our training was a no-brainer,” said Gnat, who is a loadmaster by trade. “Our jobs and mission go hand-in-hand.”
He also explained that the 445th AW regularly conducts training flights with units from other bases, giving 445th Airmen the opportunity to collaborate with others while providing outside units with hands-on training when their home station can’t.
For some Airmen, this was continued training to brush up on their skillsets; for others, it was the first time working with their unit on an aircraft.
“This has been a good refresher,” said Senior Airman William Cornett, 89th AS loadmaster. “It is always a good day when you come outside around the jet and get to use your hands.”
Trainers, such as crew chiefs, loadmasters, and other aircrew and maintenance members, were available on both statics to assist and instruct Airmen as they conducted through the training.