36 AS, 374 LRS innovates airdrop process

Photo By Airman Kayla Karelas | From left, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Logan Salazar, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron combat mobility technician, and Staff Sgt. Joshua Estrada, 36th Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster, load combat delivery system bundles onto a C-130J Super Hercules during a training exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 12, 2025. The 36 AS routinely conducts airdrop training with CDS bundles crafted by the 374 LRS to maintain readiness and the ability to swiftly deliver supplies across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kayla Karelas)  

YOKOTA AIR BASE, TOKYO, JAPAN

05.12.2025

Story by Airman Kayla Karelas 

374th Airlift Wing

The 36th Airlift Squadron and 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron implemented a new, reusable system that increases efficiency and cuts overall cost for building container delivery system bundles at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 10.

The 36 AS routinely conducts airdrop training with CDS bundles crafted by the 374 LRS to maintain readiness and the ability to swiftly deliver supplies across the Indo-Pacific region.

“CDS bundles are one of the most versatile tools in our air supply kit,” said Master Sgt. Keith Dengel, 36 AS instructor loadmaster. “CDS drops can deliver a lot of material and equipment in a short period of time to keep the troops on the ground as effective as possible.”

Previously, the 374 LRS crafted bundles using plywood and cardboard honeycomb as disposable platforms for airdrops. The new system replaces the disposable platforms with a reusable energy-absorbing layer and reusable, universal skid board - saving approximately $116,000 per year.

“With the previous process, we have to recut the cardboard and rebuild from the ground up,” said Tech. Sgt. Abel Moreno, 374 LRS combat mobility flight section chief. “The new system helps alleviate a lot of manpower and resource waste.”

Additionally, bundles prepared with the new system were built in an average time of 20 minutes, saving Airmen over an hour of time per bundle the previous process.

Yokota is currently one of six aircrew training bases in the Air Force to use this system.

“We are ready for anything because we practice these skills on a daily basis,” said Dengel. “Nothing happens without the time, effort and support of Team Yokota.”

By reducing costs, conserving resources and streamlining manpower, the new platform allows the unit to allocate support to other mission-critical operations. As the Department of Defense logistics hub for the Indo-Pacific region, this collaboration between the 36 AS and 374 LRS highlights a commitment to excellence to the installation mission: sustaining and maneuvering forces at the speed of need.

• Date Taken: 05.12.2025
• Date Posted: 05.17.2025 02:27
• Story ID: 498013
• Location: YOKOTA AIR BASE, TOKYO, JP