WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The aerial port at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, proved to be fertile training ground for members of the 87th Aerial Port Squadron on their annual tour Aug. 3-17, 2024.
Airmen assigned to these squadrons are often referred to as Port Dawgs and are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo on military airlift. They work across several sections of the port, including in a cargo processing warehouse, a passenger terminal, and out on the flightline, loading and offloading passengers and cargo from aircraft.
Over the course of two weeks at JB Charleston, 30 Port Dawgs supported missions ranging from hurricane evacuation to international humanitarian relief, and special operations to orientation flights.
“These are the types of things we do in a deployed setting,” said Tech. Sgt. Danielle Pfarr, 87th APS ramp operations. “There can be a steep learning curve when deployed. Training like this flattens that curve.”
While their career field encompasses all the functions of the entire port, Port Dawgs are typically assigned to a specific duty section, rotating every few years. When deployed, they may be required to fill a different role, so it’s critical to maintain competence in the basics of each function.
In Charleston, the Airmen did just that – training across sections and adapting to real-world conditions to support the Air Force mission.
“You can really see the collaboration, how the pieces of the mission come together, and how the whole mission flows,” said Senior Airman Ben Ndiaye, 87th APS passenger services.
Between missions, the unit participated in specialty, multi-day training like joint inspection certification and in the operation of the Global Air Transportation Execution System. They also had the opportunity to train with equipment, like conveyor belts and staircase trucks, they don’t have access to during unit training assemblies but need to be proficient in.
During the annual tour, the squadron directly supported about 100 missions, transporting more than 305 tons of cargo and 77 passengers.