Whether it is driving a distinguished visitor around base or delivering equipment too heavy to fit in a sedan, Airmen from the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron ensure the base is fully functional.
The ground transportation element’s mission it to provide quick, safe and cost-efficient transportation.
“Our main customers are our flying units, whether they’re TDY or local aircrews, in and outbound. But we essentially assist every organization on base,” said Tech. Sgt. Ryin Rader, 100th LRS Ground Operations chief dispatcher.
The element also transports mail to and from RAF Alconbury daily.
The section works closely with Traffic Management Office, inbound and outbound cargo and the cargo deployment function.
“They’ll get cargo in that we’ll then distribute out to the customers” Rader said. “Anything from a CV-22 blade to a HUMVEE. Anything a customer orders, that’s oversized, we can transport to them.”
Drivers operate pickup trucks, buses, tractor trailers and forklifts to accomplish the mission.
“My favorite part of the job has to be tractor trailer runs,” said Airman 1st Class Dennis Fite, 100th LRS ground transportation operator. “It’s like putting a puzzle together with the pieces you’re given -- making sure everything on the trailer is equally balanced, weighed and strapped down ready to go. That’s what I find most fulfilling about the job.”
One of the most memorable missions, according to Rader, was when a major snow storm hit the base in February 2018, and the vehicle operations Airmen had to drive several hundred miles north for de-icing solution. By doing this they were able get the airfield clear of ice and snow.
“We were able to get two drivers ready with two on standby and get the mission done safely and quickly so we didn’t cause the flight line to close. We felt proud in the work that we did because there were so many people watching this tasker, and performed flawlessly. It's very humbling to have the trust I do in my operators to get the mission done.”