Air Force Reservists practice to be efficient down range

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Even with the right equipment, offloading supplies from the back of a C-130 down range can be quite a challenge. Then, when you take away a key piece of apparatus such as a K-loader, a self-propelled scissor lift which is capable of moving cargo into the back of an aircraft utilizing power rollers, it becomes a daunting task. Air Force Reservists from the 39th Aerial Port Squadron, and the 731st Airlift Squadron, along with active duty members from the 52nd Airlift Squadron, spent the morning of Jan. 8, preparing for just such a challenge.

Combat offloading procedures vary based on available unloading equipment, type of cargo and whether pallets are married together or in a container delivery system. For the men and women of the 302nd Airlift Wing, the challenge on this unit training assembly day would be unloading married pallets, utilizing an offload procedure known as "Combat Method B."

The two pallets secured together, holding an oversize load is too large for a forklift to unload. "Combat Method B" is a procedure that utilizes a forklift as an anchor. The forklift is positioned behind the lowered ramp of the C-130 and chains are connected to both the pallet and the forklift. With eight, 55-gallon drums placed nearby, the C-130 with engines running, inches forward and the forklift with its brakes locked acting as an anchor, allows the pallet to slowly inch out of the back of the C-130. As the pallet extends beyond the ramp, drums are placed to support the overhanging portion of the pallet. The procedure repeats itself until the pallet is completely out and supported solely by the 55 gallon drums.

Onboard loadmasters are in constant visual communication with the aerial porters on the flight line and constant audio communication with the flight deck.

"Besides safety, the main concern is communication" said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Cooley, 39th APS air transportation specialist, and the off load crew chief. "We have to make sure everyone is on the same page."

The methodical procedure took approximately 20 minutes and once securely on the 55 gallon drums; the pallet was ready to be broken down and unloaded with a forklift. Supporting both airlift and aerial port missions, the members of the wing may be called upon to utilize combat offloading methods down range at forward operating bases that only have a landing zone and minimal equipment. Additionally, humanitarian airlift missions may take the wing to countries that are many times not properly equipped to offload large loads.