Airlift wing's 'port dawgs' get real in Charleston

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ulysses Petty
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  One of the primary objectives of a reserve unit is to stay deployment ready.  Sometimes ensuring mission-ready status entails many requirements that seem to be farthest from a reservist's chosen career field, such as web-based training.

Other times, there are opportunities to get hands-on, real life, readiness training, and such was recently the case for members of the 25th Aerial Port Squadron.
Eighteen members of the 25th APS recently boarded a C-130 headed to Charleston Air Force Base S.C. for annual tour. Members received real-world career field training, the kind you would use at deployed locations. 

While some of the members of this group of 'Port Dawgs' have had similar training in the past, for many of the members, it was their first time getting this type of experience. Airman Joshua Williams was happy to share his thoughts on his first annual tour.

"We got a lot a training done," he said. "Most of it we couldn't have gotten done at our home base. We received hands on training  with vehicles and passengers."
Williams, who was assigned to the passenger service section during this tour, also added that the PAX staff at Charleston's 437th APS was very helpful, and willing to share their perspective on the career field as it relates to active-duty situations.
 
Senior Airman Ericka Sanders, who spent her time in Fleet Services - a tasking she expects to fill - said, "the training here has made me feel more prepared for future deployments."

During the two weeks, 25th APS as a whole received comprehensive real-world training, and gained necessary skills critical to mission readiness, while also leaving their mark on the 437th APS for their professionalism, courtesy and willingness to assist and learn. 

The highest accolade was given to Airman First Class LaTeriya Stamps, who was awarded the Port Dawg Bone for Excellence by Maj. Jason Okamura for her outstanding work. Okamura recalled her positive attitude, willingness to help, and assertiveness when it comes to being trained. She was all too surprised and humbled by the coining.

Stamps was elated by all of the training opportunities she received. When asked if she felt better prepared after this tour for future deployments she stated, "oh yes, absolutely!" She went on to say that she was glad to be able to "go somewhere off-station and get the training at an active aerial port." 

All in all, this was a great experience for 25th APS. We appreciate the support of our own 357th Airlift Squadron and our host the 437th APS for providing this valuable training opportunity.