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Special Cargo

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jessica Avallone | A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 730th Air Mobility Squadron walks through an empty...... read more read more

YOKOTA AIR BASE, TOKYO, JAPAN

09.21.2020

Story by Senior Airman Jessica Avallone

374th Airlift Wing

From aerosols and trucks to classified documents and medical supplies, 730th Air Mobility Squadron (AMS) work closely with the Japanese military to move a multitude of assets. In the month of August, special handling started receiving shipments of Aegis Missiles, which are meant to sustain the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) defense capabilities around Japan and its waters.

Aegis Destroyers patrol the areas surrounding Japan where enemies deploy ballistic missiles. In order to ensure readiness JMSDF developed the Ballistic Missile Defense system to shoot down any threat that gets too close. AMS and special handling ensures JMSDF are armed and ready.

“The 730th AMS’ mission is to provide rapid global mobility. To put it simply: Whatever the military needs, wherever in the world, we will get it there quick,” said Tech. Sgt. Titus Frazier, 730th AMS special planning shift supervisor “the thing that is unique about this is the type of Arms, Ammunitions and Explosives we are dealing with. It’s not just any regular type of missile. It’s the type of rocket that is vital to taking out other rockets that want to harm to us.”

Movements like these are often thankless but are key to deter threats against the livelihood of many.

“I feel like I have a part in keeping the nation of Japan safe. It's not every day that you can say you made such an impactful difference to people that don't even know we exist,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Freitas, 730th AMS special handling supervisor. “They don’t know this is happening right now but we’re ensuring their safety; that they get to live their lives without fear.”

Working in the pacific region requires efficient communication with a plethora of nations to ensure regional stability. That communication is built on trust.

“We don't just state that we're here for partners, we show them we’re here for them,” said Freitas. “We’re giving them the tools and the capabilities. We’re setting them up for success. Not only with words but with actions. What we’re putting in place now could potentially deter any threat that might come in the future.”