JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --
Rainer Wing’s 86th Aerial Port Squadron took 8th place among 23 aerial port squadrons from across the Air Force Reserve Command during the 2017 Port Dawg Challenge at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.
The 86th APS sent six members to the intense, biennial competition hosted by the 94th Airlift Wing, April 25-27.
The APS Airmen are transportation specialists who sometimes refer to themselves as “Port Dawgs”.
“Port Dawgs” provide military logistical functions to aerial ports, including processing personnel and cargo, preparing cargo and load plans, loading and securing aircraft, ejecting cargo and supervising units engaged in aircraft logistical operations.
The fourth PDC included a variety of events that tested competitor’s technical expertise, encouraged teamwork, and allowed senior personnel to deliver on-the-spot training and corrective action.
Staff Sgt. Kelly West, load planner with the 86th APS, competed this year for a second time. She chose to compete again because she “wanted to do better than the last time.”
“The first time was fun. I learned a lot, but it was a struggle because we were learning,” she explained. “I did the load planning portion, and that’s only a one-person event so it was all on me. Last time, I didn’t do so well. This time, I placed second.”
The competition included engine running off/on load, 10K forklift obstacle course, joint inspections, load planning effectiveness, pallet build up, passenger and cargo processing, air terminal command and control functions, fitness challenge, and a comprehensive knowledge test. Rainier Wing Airmen had to adjust their technique for at least one of these events, however.
“We have C-17s here, but they had C-130s [at the competition],” West said. “We knew there was going to be C-130s so we did our best to simulate with ramps that are here.”
This year’s challenge brought many supporters from various units across the country to root for the “dawgs” from their respective squadrons. The guest speaker also motivated the Airmen prior to the challenge kickoff.
“Remember that you represent men and women overseas in harm’s way right now," said Maj. Gen. John P. Stokes, 22nd Air Force commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Dobbins ARB. “For aerial porters that are doing the mission, supporting the fight, working long days, make them proud this week.”
Stokes encouraged Airmen to give their best and learn lessons from other professionals in units around them.
Master Sgt. Chari Woodrum, NCO in charge of special handling and this year’s team chief for the 86th APS, also agrees. When she learned of this year’s competition, she eagerly volunteered to represent the 86th APS as the team lead.
“I love it--it’s such a great challenge,” Woodrum said. “We’ve even had teams from Guam come and compete, and you see a lot of people that you’ve met on a deployment or during a [temporary duty assignment]. It also gives you a chance to make a connection with all these other squadrons.”
West looks forward to competing again—perhaps as a trainer, she said.
“It’s not just ‘work’ anymore. You get out there and see people from all over; you get to know and see them again, which is kind of cool. It gets you pumped up,” West said. “It makes you appreciate your job a little more.”