728th AMS 'Port Dawgs' give heartbeat to Patriot mission


U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 728th Air Mobility Squadron prepare to offload equipment containers supporting a Patriot missile battery Jan. 5, 2012, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Two Patriot missile batteries from the United States are deploying to Turkey to support NATO's commitment to Turkey's security. The batteries will augment Turkey's air defense capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clayton Lenhardt/Released)

728th AMS 'Port Dawgs' give heartbeat to Patriot mission

by Staff Sgt. Marissa Tucker
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/18/2013 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The success of every event, goal or mission can depend on two major factors -- proper planning and how well all involved parties react when those plans change.

Flexibility, communication and urgency were priorities for the 728th Air Mobility Squadron as Airmen worked around the clock in support of the NATO operation to deploy approximately 400 personnel near Turkish-Syrian border to man Patriot batteries in response to a request from the Turkish government.

When U.S. Army Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery (3-2 ADA) based at Fort Sill, Okla., began arriving at Incirlik Jan.4, members of the squadron were more than ready to assist in the expedient and safe arrival of both service members and equipment.

"Our Airmen are out there 24/7. If there is aircraft coming in, they are on the line," said Master Sgt. Juan Chapa, 728th AMS production superintendent. "For these missions especially we told them what was happening a bit ahead of time, and they were on the ball and got the job done like they always do."

With little notice, and battling the Turkish rainy season, the Port Dawgs switched into overdrive to ensure vehicles, equipment and essential assets were removed from 23 cargo planes in a four-day period to complete functional checks. Each asset, down to the chains securing them in place, was documented as maintaining accountability on equipment is top priority for the squadron.

"We have to make sure everything on the manifest is actually on the flight," said Senior Airman Kamille Reaves, 728th AMS Air terminal operations center information controller. "We check every flight that comes in against these forms to make sure all the information is accurate."

From ushering in aircraft in extreme temperatures to developing plans in a moment's notice to move literal tons of cargo into secure locations, no stones are left unturned. Airmen, on top of ensuring incoming aircraft arrive at their appropriate flightline locations, they also provide turnaround maintenance to reduce the amount of ground time for transiting aircraft.

"We really take care of the aircraft to help expedite them getting back in the air," said Michael Riles, 728th AMS aerial port crew chief. "It's a pretty rewarding job when you realize how many people it affects."

The Aerial Port flight is responsible for conducting air transportation services for all airlift missions originating, terminating, or transiting Incirlik Air Base. Along with the Air Terminal Operations Center, they work hand-in-hand to provide command and control oversight for air transportation operations.

These Airmen, along with the 728th Air Mobility Control Center, direct the operation of airlift support and all Air Mobility Command aircraft landing and departing Incirlik. As the heartbeat of the operation, these controllers coordinate aircrew alerts, ground transportation, intelligence reports and positive/secure launch requests.

Together, they ensure the 728th AMS mission of operating a strategic cargo hub supporting war fighting operations in Southwest Asia and en-route support for Eastern Europe and Africa is met. Delivering more than one million short tons of cargo in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM AND NEW DAWN, the 728th AMS continues to stay at the forefront in support of NATO and U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Air Forces Africa efforts in global security.