Photo By Tech. Sgt. Lucas Weber | Airmen assigned to the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron pose for a group photo at the...... read more read more
The 32nd Aerial Port Squadron provides rapid, efficient aerial port services supporting both military operations and humanitarian assistance efforts. This year, that mission focus earned them the Air Force Reserve Command Air Transportation Activity of the Year Award, recognizing the team’s outstanding performance at home and abroad.
Maj. James A. Tringas, 32nd APS commander, said the recognition reflects the determination and teamwork of his Steel Airmen.
“I am forever proud and eternally humbled to be part of such a talented team of Airmen,” Tringas said. “This award, more than any other the 32nd APS has won, is a direct result of what the squadron accomplished while deployed. As a team, we train and prepare each other to be ready when the nation needs us and when they do, we will be ready.”
During the award period, the squadron led the planning and distribution of more than 15,000 tons of cargo and 24,000 passengers across 2,000 missions. These efforts supported numerous combined campaign events, combat airdrops to Joint Task Force outposts, the relief in place and transfer of authority of a U.S. Army division, and the inaugural visit of the First Lady to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
The “Port Dawgs” of Pittsburgh also delivered vital support to Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. They pioneered a direct supply line between operating locations in the AOR, reducing equipment wait times and eliminating personnel delays, earning recognition from the 387th Air Expeditionary Group commander.
Innovation was central to their achievements. Aerial Porters established the squadron’s first Section Training Lead Program, ensuring scenario-based, practicing hands-on readiness scenarios for every unit training assembly for the year. They also advised on airfield and base upgrades, streamlined inspection programs to reduce unnecessary man-hours, and supported a CENTCOM base expansion project that increased aircraft capacity five times over.
Beyond combat operations, the 32nd APS advanced humanitarian and quality-of-life efforts. The squadron processed nearly 80,000 pounds of medical supplies for Honduras in less than 10 hours through the Denton Program – a Department of Defense initiative that provides space-available airlift for approved civilian donated goods like food, medical supplies and educational materials to countries in need – and worked with innovation organizations such as Project Arc and Tesseract on forward-looking warfighting solutions.
Col. Sherard Dorroh, 911th Mission Support Group commander, said the squadron’s momentum continues to set the standard across the command.
“I was made aware of the 32 APS winning the Port Dawg Challenge prior to my departure from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in April of 2024, and that level of execution of success has continued the entire time I have been here,” Dorroh said. “You are setting the standard and continuing to move the mark for others to follow.”
The recognition adds to a long history of excellence for the 32nd APS. The unit has previously earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, including the periods of Aug. 1, 1987–July 31, 1989; Sept. 15, 1990–Sept. 14, 1992; and Sept. 16, 2006–Sept. 15, 2008. In 2024, the squadron brought home the Sheppard Trophy after winning the Port Dawg Challenge for the first time—also marking the first victory in the competition by a team from 4th Air Force. The squadron also placed second overall in the 2010 Port Dawg Challenge. All of these were portents of victories to come.
From moving thousands of tons of cargo and passengers in combat zones to delivering humanitarian aid through the Denton Program, the squadron has consistently demonstrated its ability to execute the mission and uphold its legacy of achievement.
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2025 10:39 |
| Story ID: | 549138 |
| Location: | PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIR RESERVE STATION, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 361 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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