With the summer months comes the warm weather, fun outdoor activities and an influx of personnel joining the Wolf Pack. With more than 2,700 personnel calling Kunsan Air Base “home”, ensuring Airmen have a successful move is the top priority for the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Office quality assurance Airmen.
The QA section is responsible for conducting onsite inspections for all inbound and outbound household good shipments while also making contact with each military member during their permanent change of station process.
“These inspections are essential to mission accomplishment since an Airman cannot support the mission if they and their families are not effectively relocated,” said Col. Craig Punches, Personal Property Activity Headquarters commander at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. “Proper moving company oversight via on-site inspections ensure our Airmen are ready to do their mission without focusing on recovering from a bad move. It ensures that Airmen receive the best move possible.”
For the first quarter in 2019, the 8th LRS TMO QA section maintained a 100 percent inspection rate, meeting with each inbound and outbound Wolf Pack member. They were the top QA section in Pacific Air Forces, beating the PACAF average of 87 percent.
“We are here to ensure our customers experience a smooth PCS process, that they are taken care of every step of the way and are satisfied with their move,” said Staff Sgt. Chana Lawlor, 8th LRS TMO QA inspector. “It’s important to me to remove any unnecessary stress for our customers by meeting with them face-to-face, explaining any confusing processes and answering any questions they may have.”
Unaccompanied baggage and household good shipments can take up to two months to arrive on station. When PCSing to Kunsan, TMO recommends hand carrying important documents and ensuring Airmen have the necessary items needed to help transition to life on Kunsan such as bedding, a mattress pad, and necessary clothing, including uniforms. Items to include in unaccompanied baggage and household good shipments include cooking items, a television, decorations and sports equipment, including a bike and helmet.
During the most recent quarter, the QA section maintained a 98 percent, surpassing the Air Force standard of 80 percent. During peak season, the section inspects approximately 15 to 20 shipments per day, ensuring the contracted movers and packers are following Department of Defense and Air Force regulations.
“As quality assurance professionals, we have to enforce the standards and ensure our customers’ personal property is being taken care of at the origin and destination,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Kobylanski, 8th LRS TMO QA inspector. “We’re here to monitor what the contractor does and brief members on the claims process and other entitlements.”
For information about household good shipments and preparing for your upcoming PCS, visit www.move.mil. For information on weight allowances and other travel regulations, visit www.defensetravel.dod.mil.