JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
As the surge in Afghanistan continues, so does the increasing operations tempo for many squadrons here at Joint Base Charleston. Among these is the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, who, despite the increase in pace, continues to carry out this vital day-to-day mission.
Within the first five months of this year, the 437 APS, or Charleston Port Dawgs as they like to call themselves, working jointly with the Army, Marines and reservists, moved more cargo than during the entire year of 2009, said Mr. Bobby Robinson, 437 APS air freight supervisor.
Additionally, since January, the 437 APS has loaded and shipped more than 46 million pounds of cargo - an increase directly related to the multitude of Mine - Resistant, Ambush - Protected All-Terrain Vehicles and new equipment that were moved to support and resupply warfighters in Afghanistan.
"Our customers are U.S. Central Command, therefore, the majority of cargo routed through Charleston is going to Afghanistan," says Mr. Bobby Robinson.
Because of the excessive amount of cargo being shipped, the 437 APS is using not only all of Joint Base Charleston's C-17s, but the entire Air Force C-17 fleet, including Reserve birds. Additionally the 437 APS is sending cargo via commercial Boeing 747s and Air Force C-5s.
Despite the increase in operations tempo, the Port Dawgs continue to succeed in completing their task of sending 40 short tons or more with every cargo delivery.
Much of the cargo being moved is vital for the Army and Air Force overseas, as it contains brand new equipment and technology coming directly from the vendors. Prime examples of this cargo are the new robots designed to detect and disarm improvised explosive devices in hazardous areas.
"I tell my guys everyday, the warfighters down range have a lot better chance of survival with the equipment we send - we are helping a great cause," said Staff Sgt. Denny Garrison, 437 APS cargo services supervisor.
Carrying the APS workload has become significantly easier thanks to the help of Air Force Reserve coming in for either their two week tour of duty or six month active - duty tours.
"The Reserve groups coming in have been a tremendous help, they have a great attitude and great work ethic - if we hadn't been able to rely on those guys, we would be hurting badly," said Sergeant Garrison.
The 437 APS began seeing the increased flow of cargo for the Afghanistan surge back in December 2009, said Lt. Col. Robert Neal, 437 APS commander. Then, in January the Charleston Port Dawgs began supporting Operation Unified Response to Haiti "while never missing a beat" supporting the Afghanistan surge, he added.
"If that wasn't enough, we also have Charleston Port Dawgs currently in Afghanistan supporting the aircraft offloading. Just another example of 437 APS supporting the warfighter both here and abroad," said Colonel Neal. "It's a true testament to the hard work and dedication of all the Port Dawgs."