CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. –
Team Charleston, it's hard to believe the year is coming to an end and this will be my last commander's comments for 2007.
As we look forward to the start of 2008 and the challenges and changes we will face, I would like to touch upon a major change that the New Year will bring. As a result of the recent opening of Dover AFB's freight terminal, Air Mobility Command has announced most cargo destined for locations in the Central Command area of responsibility will shift from Charleston AFB back to aerial ports at Dover AFB and McGuire AFB starting Jan. 1.
This shift comes after almost five years during which the 437th Aerial Port Squadron picked up the mission of sustaining forces supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and 100 percent of all Operation Iraqi Freedom re-supply cargo. The shift resulted from a 2003 snowstorm that destroyed the Dover AFB freight terminal.
APS took only 72 hours to increase their workload 26 times! Forty-four percent of all channel cargo was moving through the port -- more than all other continental U.S. AMC ports combined. Their workload increased from 2,120 tons annually in 2002 to more than 75,000 tons in 2003 and more than 81,000 tons in 2004. During this time, they raised the bar in the movement of supplies and equipment to the warfighter: 99.5 percent Radio Frequency Identification Tag rate; 99.6 percent Pure Pallet compliance rate; and exceeded the Transportation Working Capital Fund goal for all aircraft by 35 percent for FY 2007.
The squadron garnered many honors, winning the AF Large Terminal Unit of the Year in 2003; AMC Traffic Management Flight of the Year for 2004 and 2005; AMC Air Freight Flight of the Year for 2006; AMC Fleet Service Flight of the Year for 2006; AMC Air Terminal Operations Flight of the Year for 2006; and AMC Mobility Flight of the Year for 2006. During the last five years, they have performed magnificently ... and at one point they processed 44 percent of all CONUS outbound cargo. They have worked 12 hour shifts, seven days a week since 2003. Their hard work and dedication were magnificent and I am so proud to be their commander. Hats off to the Port Dawgs for a job well done! Many Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen in the AOR owe their lives to your efforts.
AMC leadership has reiterated that CAFB will continue operations as the largest C-17 base in AMC. We will continue to be the major gateway for air shipment of thousands of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, designed to protect troops from mines and improvised explosive devices. In addition, we will continue to sustain current and emerging operations in South America and Africa.
We hosted North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey for a series of issue briefings and a base tour on Wednesday. This was the mayor's first visit here in 5 years, and we believe this will be critical to establishing an even stronger partnership with the City of North Charleston. Mayor Summey was eager to work with us on a range issues from Dorchester Gate/Road traffic to improving local school opportunities.
And finally, please keep safety a top priority, enjoy the holidays and time with your family and friends -- and don't forget our deployed personnel and their families, and those single Airmen remaining here at home station this year.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!