Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    18th LRS keeps the mission rolling

    18th LRS keeps the mission rolling

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Lynette Rolen | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Paecht, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in...... read more read more

    KADENA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

    07.01.2016

    Story by Airman 1st Class Lynette Rolen 

    18th Wing Public Affairs

    On an air base, there are many moving parts – trailers filled with mission-essential parts are constantly transported to and from destinations to keep jets flying and wrenches turning.

    These operations are carried out daily to keep the 18th Wing mission-ready at all times through constant training and mobility. With professionalism and dedication, the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron keeps the mission rolling here in Okinawa.

    The 18th LRS conducted tractor-trailer training June 29 to maintain vehicle upkeep, emphasize safety and practice heavy equipment operations to ensure mission capabilities for the Wing.

    The training involved connecting and disconnecting a trailer, while also preparing it for transporting cargo. The 18th LRS vehicle operations section mission can only be accomplished when safety is guaranteed and vehicle operators are adequately trained.

    “We fully train and qualify our members on multiple vehicles so we can carry out and complete our base mission,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron Paecht, 18th LRS assistant NCO in charge of training, validation and operations. “The Airmen we train are moving passengers and cargo to aircraft. These Airmen are also able to recover any asset once they complete the wreck qualification training.”

    Without the vehicle operators, supplies do not get to their destinations, maintainers don’t get their tools and aircraft can’t fly.

    “We transport parts for aircraft, shipping containers, and the mail run,” said Airman 1st Class Marcus Denton, 18th LRS vehicle operator. “A lot of the time, we are either on the flightline or off-base, picking up mail.”

    While the tractor training concluded last week, on-the-job training is a daily occurrence for logistics Airmen in order to improve hand-eye coordination, vehicle upkeep and maintaining safety standards.

    “Our Airmen come into work every day and receive the best vehicle training so they have all the tools and skills to carry out our mission,” said Paecht.

    This progression has been manifested with Denton. He now feels more confident in his work than ever before. Operating tractor-trailers is more challenging than the typical buses utilized by LRS. A higher skill set is needed due to the multiple functions of the tractor-trailer.

    “It’s so much fun,” said Denton. “I never got to drive anything like this before. It was scary to do at first, but once I got more training, I thought: ‘I got this!’ Driving the tractor trailers is my favorite part of my job. The buses are easy, you just usually go from one direct location to another, but the tractor trailers are more challenging; they require more skill.”

    According to Paecht, the Airmen who he trains today will make a difference within the entire mission of the wing tomorrow.

    “My favorite part of the job is seeing an Airman progress from uncertainty at first, to fully confident and ready for any mission,” said Paecht. “It feels awesome to lead them in the right direction and know we are giving the best possible training on all our vehicles.”

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.01.2016
    Date Posted: 07.20.2016 02:44
    Story ID: 204438
    Location: KADENA, OKINAWA, JP

    Web Views: 21
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN