87th APS seizes opportunity for training

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Anthony Springer
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Approximately 15 members of the 87th Aerial Port Squadron received valuable training while helping to send personnel assigned to the 434th Maintenance Squadron, 434th Air Refueling Wing, back home to Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind.

The 434th temporarily relocated their KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft and their maintenance and flying operations to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio June 1 while their 12,500 foot runway was under construction.

The Airmen received "hands on" training preparing real-world cargo for transport. Staff Sgt. Drew Ramsay 87 APS unit training manager, said the opportunity allowed hands-on training in inspecting aircraft support equipment loaded on pallets belonging to 434th.

"This training is important that it teaches proper techniques for operations that might be similar to an experience that might occur downrange, in a more controlled environment that is safety and training oriented," Ramsay said.

The training consisted of completing checklists to include the inspection of shipping documents for accuracy, serviceability of the cargo pallets and containers, and weight verification making sure the cargo is ready to fly.

"This builds rapport with another wing, as well as helps the unit train its members for upgrade training," Ramsay said.