Russian An-124 lands at Shaw

Photo By Staff Sgt. Krystal England | A communication satellite is loaded onto a Russian Antonov An-124 Ruslan by the Russian crew and the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 30, 2012. A second satellite, three mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and additional supplies were also loaded on to the plane and are being sent to the 8th Army in Republic of Korea. The 20th LRS was able to load the 135,000 pound cargo with only four aero-transporters which is only half of their personnel.  

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, UNITED STATES

06.30.2012

Story by Airman 1st Class Krystal England 

20th Fighter Wing

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – Airmen from the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron loaded a Russian Antonov An-124 Ruslan with equipment and supplies for 8th Army in Republic of Korea here, June 30, 2012.

The plane was originally sent to Joint Base Charleston, S.C., but was diverted because Charleston’s runways were shut down for repaving.

“This is the first diversion to Shaw for 2012,” said 1st Lt. Sara Ramirez, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer and a native of Burlington, Mass.

Shaw normally doesn’t receive heavy planes because Shaw is a small terminal compared to bases like Scott AFB, Ill., or Charleston, said Senior Master Sgt. Frank Graziano, 20th LRS deployment and distribution superintendent. Bigger bases are equipped with more manning and equipment to take on larger aircraft.

“We received this aircraft because were the closest on short notice and we have seasoned people who know how to work this aircraft,” he continued.

With only four aero-transporters and a week’s notice, Shaw was able to successfully complete the mission and load 135,000 pounds of supplies and equipment, which included three mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and two communication satellites, onto the An-124 within two hours.

“LRS met this mission with just half of their personnel and were still able to make it work,” said Grasiano. “That just shows the professionalism of our folks here and their capabilities to be able to meet the mission requirements.”

This was also a unique training opportunity for the LRS, said Staff Sgt. Chris Deibel, 20th LRS aero-transporter and a native of Killeen, Texas.

“This mission was not only multi-branch, but also multi-nationality because it was crossed between Air Force and Army, and the United States and Russia.” said Grasiano. “It gave a breadth of experience for our guys.”

“I haven’t loaded a Russian aircraft before,” said Airman 1st Class Joshua Robinson, 20th LRS aero-transporter and a native to Anderson, S.C. “It was a totally different experience loading this aircraft compared to how we normally load one.”

The Russian plane departed from here 9:15 a.m., July 2, 2012.

• Date Taken: 06.30.2012
• Date Posted: 07.03.2012 17:29
• Story ID: 91078
• Location: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, US
• Hometown: ANDERSON, SC, US
• Hometown: BURLINGTON, MA, US
• Hometown: KILLEEN, TX, US