TMO specialist ensures military assets reach areas in crisis

Photo By Chelsea Smith | Tech Sgt. Cylethia Hunter, a transportation management craftsmen and material management specialist assigned to the Savannah Air Dominance Center, poses in the logistics warehouse Sept. 29, 2017. Hunter proved invaluable to Hurricane Maria relief missions by initiating documents to manifest passengers and cargo destined for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. During normal operations, Hunter manages the life-cycle of materials flowing through the ADC and 165th Airlift Wing for both visiting and permanent staff. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Smith)  

SAVANNAH, GA, UNITED STATES

09.30.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Smith 

165th Airlift Wing

SAVANNAH AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ga. — During Hurricane Maria relief missions, Tech Sgt. Cylethia Hunter’s expertise in managing complex supply systems aided the dramatic rise in military personnel, aircraft and cargo circulating through the Savannah Air National Guard Base.

Hunter proved invaluable by initiating documents to manifest passengers and cargo destined for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To date, Hunter helped to process 607 passengers and 39 pallets of cargo that passed through the transit hub.

Hunter is assigned to the Savannah Air Dominance Center and currently works dual roles as a transportation management craftsmen and materiel management specialist working with the 165th Airlift Wing. As a full-time Air Guard Reserve, Hunter stood prepared to fulfill the demands of a 24-hour operational tempo, she said.

“I’m the only transportation management staff member working Hurricane Maria operations for the ADC,” said Hunter. “But I’ve had great support working with outside staff to get the mission done.”

During normal operations, Hunter ensures the financial accountability of materials utilized by members of the ADC and 165th Airlift Wing. From paperclips to multimillion-dollar machinery, Hunter manages the life-cycle of materials for both visiting and permanent staff.

“I initiate official records, coordinate shipping, and even package equipment that may come in for combat training missions, conferences, meetings and other events occurring on base,” said Hunter.

She’s found her work even more meaningful now that she’s helping to move supplies and people to areas affected by disaster, she said.

“It’s been important to be able to ensure teams have what they need to reach people and deliver supplies to those with the most urgent needs,” she said.

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Saxon, chief enlisted manager at the ADC, depends on Hunter’s expertise to ensure assets are in place for Airmen to do their jobs.

“Her expertise in the career field has long been noticed at the ADC,” said Saxon. “She understands the systems that get trucks, passengers and other critical supplies moving. Rolling her into the 165th AW is a benefit to the ADC and operations as a whole.”

One of the largest airlift operations in modern history didn’t daunt Hunter, who’s worked 12-hour shifts since flying missions began here Sept. 21. The work can be taxing and painstakingly meticulous, but she finds rewards in ensuring military assets arrive safely and on time to areas in crisis, she said.

“I’m just glad I can be here to help,” said Hunter.

The ADC remains in 24-hour operations, serving as the launching pad for relief operations in the disaster-stricken areas of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Date Taken: 09.30.2017
• Date Posted: 09.30.2017 10:23
• Story ID: 250190
• Location: SAVANNAH, GA, US
• Hometown: SAVANNAH, GA, US