News

Reservists drive deployment support

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Patrick Cabellon
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Support for ongoing operations doesn't always mean deploying overseas. Such is the case with Reserve transportation specialists from the 86th Aerial Port Squadron here. 

The 86th APS has been filling in at McChord for deployed Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's transportation operation. The Reservists have been called upon to assist with transportation throughout the base for both the 62nd and 446th AW. 

"We have been helping out with whatever the 62nd AW needs," said Master Sgt. Daniel Bridges, 86th APS. "We help take active-duty Airmen coming and going to billeting, off base, or wherever they need to go. If (the remaining) active-duty drivers go on 12 hour shifts, we go on 12 hour shifts." 

On top of filling in for deployed active-duty drivers, the 86th APS has deployed personnel as well. Four of the eight drivers from the 86th APS are currently deployed. 

The 86th APS find themselves helping out the 62nd AW often because of McChord's host wing's constant rotating deployments. As soon as one group of active-duty Airmen returns from deployment, another is sent - all without skipping a beat. 

"I've been filling in for deployed active-duty Airmen since September of last year," Sergeant Bridges said with a nod. Overall, being spread thin has not increased stress or workload to unmanageable proportions, he said. 

Supporting the base as a Reservist on active-duty is seen as an opportunity by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Hall, 86th APS, to do more than the usual on a unit training assembly weekend.
Among her driving duties she picks people up returning on rotator flights, and delivers aircrews to their aircraft as they depart on missions. But, Sergeant Hall is also taking the road less travelled with an assigned route to combat arms training. Each route is another opportunity to learn more about McChord AFB and all it has within its boundaries. 

"Working with the 62nd AW has really given my whole experience a 'Team McChord' atmosphere," said Sergeant Bridges with a nod. 

"It's been fairly easy, everybody pulls their end; even with the mundane vehicle maintenance that's required," concluded Sergeant Bridges.