JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
In an environment of increased fiscal constraints it is still possible to get the much needed professional development for our Air Force Logistics Officers.
The Middle Georgia Chapter Logistics Officer Association hosted nine Charleston Globemaster Chapter members at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., April 11 - 12, 2013. With recent budgetary constraints, the Globemaster Chapter members took the initiative and organized this professional development trip, made possible by leadership approving permissive temporary duty, personal vehicles used for transportation, and government lodging at the expense of the members in attendance.
LOA is an organization comprised of more than 3,000 military officers and civilians in logistics fields around the globe. LOA membership opportunities include all logistics officers, to include the Air Force Specialty Codes of 21A (Aircraft Maintenance), 21M (Munitions Maintenance), and 21R (Logistics Readiness), as well as logistics professionals from other military services. The Charleston Globemaster LOA Chapter highly encourages civilian membership - both officer equivalent federal employees and private sector civilians who are members of military-related civilian organizations. The purpose of LOA is to enhance the military logistics profession and provide an open forum to promote quality logistical support and logistics officer professional development.
The tour began with the Team Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System Maintenance Group where members were able to tour the E-8C JSTARS in the 116 Air Control Wing, the avionics back shop, the LRS warehouse, and the 461st Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Flight and test cell before getting a "full power" tour of a static E-8 aircraft. The afternoon tour included briefings from the Warner Robins Defense Logistics Agency and a High Velocity Maintenance representative.
On April 12, the tour included the C-17 Globemaster III Programmed Depot Maintenance depot line and the Commodities Maintenance Group to include the Computerized Numeric Control Shop, the F-15 Wing Shop, the C-130 Prop Shop, concluding with the sheet metal manufacturing section. The tour concluded with a briefing on the Air Force Sustainment Center by a Logistics Career Broadening Officer stationed at Robins AFB, Ga.
This trip ended in plans for a reciprocal trip for the Middle Georgia Chapter to visit Joint Base Charleston in the summer of 2013.