Photo By Tech. Sgt. Sara Kolinski | Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ethier, 104th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Office...... read more read more
Subscribe
The 104th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Office is the linchpin that ensures the smooth flow of 104th Fighter Wing personnel and cargo. TMO Airmen work tirelessly behind the scenes coordinating the intricacies required for smooth transportation and deployment.
Comprised of three sections, the broad responsibilities of TMO include managing group trips, car rentals, manifesting for cargo and passengers, and they are the hazardous material leads for the base.
“One of our three sections is passenger travel,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Duval, 104LRS TMO superintendent. “Basically, if anyone moves across mil air or commercial air, it comes through this office. We also have a packing and crating section. And then when it gets to cargo, almost anything that comes on the base comes through our office through the inbound office and then anything that leaves comes through our outbound office.”
With the imminent conversion from the F-15 Eagle to the F-35 Lightning II, the 104th TMO Airmen will have to work tirelessly with other 104FW units to ensure the mission doesn’t falter.
“I think it’s pretty exciting to take on the F-35,” said Duval. “That’s going to drive a lot of work for us. We’re trying to solidify our processes right now so that once the process that we’re currently using multiplies by not by one or two or three but by 10 or 15, that we can stand up to that level. I think that’s probably the biggest hurdle we have coming: the conversion and what that’s going to bring.”
Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ethier, 104LRS TMO cargo technician, explained that although the Airmen have different roles within TMO, it is necessary for everyone to be certified in each section so that, when necessary, any Airman can step up to guarantee that any personnel or cargo move smoothly.
“When we’re shipping out F-15 engines, one person can’t do that,” said Ethier. “We need 5 or 6 people pushing the engine dolly onto a flatbed and blocking and bracing it, chaining it down, and all that stuff. It’s one thing getting a few envelopes off a truck to count bolts that will go up in a jet. It’s a lot different now you’re getting Aerospace Ground Equipment on flat beds and CONEX bins and new F-35 engines. There’s going to be a lot higher ops tempo than what we do now.”
Although the workload will be increasing with the conversion, Duval stated that TMO is expecting to get more hands on deck, which the team is already looking forward to. Duval stated that new Airmen will bring diversity to the shop and a new perspective, and he is sure the current team will strengthen with their addition.
“My favorite part of TMO is the people,” said Duval “I came into one of the strongest teams, a good environment, and a good atmosphere. Everybody is positive. We work well together.”
| Date Taken: | 02.28.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.29.2024 14:51 |
| Story ID: | 464881 |
| Location: | MA, US |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 104th Logistics Readiness Squadron TMO: Shipping cargo to support a shifting mission, by TSgt Sara Kolinski, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT