163d Attack Wing Ground Transportation delivers mobility, mission support
<br> MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. — The 163d Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation shop is generating mission readiness by providing safe, reliable transportation support for Airmen, equipment, and cargo across the installation and beyond.
<br> The shop supports daily operations by transporting equipment, maintaining a fleet of 32 vehicles and licensing qualified drivers throughout the wing. Its support also extends beyond the installation, including joint training events, humanitarian efforts and partnerships with organizations such as the U.S. Army.
<br> Master Sgt. Steven Taylor, 163d ground transportation shop superintendent, explained that with commander support, the ground transportation shop is able to provide vehicles and personnel to support Army operations when needed.
<br> “Previously, the Army had contracted buses for a training event, but it was going to cost thousands of dollars for the week, but instead we were able to supplement that need with our own qualified personnel and vehicles,” said Taylor.
<br> The ability to provide vehicles and personnel to support joint operations is an extension of the unit’s broader mission to provide transportation support across the wing.
<br> “Our primary day-to-day mission is to provide pickup and delivery for aircraft parts and support equipment for various units. We also have a 32-vehicle fleet that we have to maintain and issue out to qualified members,” said Taylor. “On top of that, we also license members within the wing.”
<br> Taylor explained that his team is responsible for licensing Airmen to operate specialty vehicles such as buses, tractor trailers, forklifts and tow trucks. Without qualified drivers, necessary equipment could not be operated, potentially impacting mission operations.
<br> Recently, the team, along with other members from LRS, worked to move an MQ-9 Reaper static display more than 400 miles to the Sacramento Mather Airport for a State Partnership Program event. The movement demonstrated the shop’s ability to coordinate long-distance transportation of large equipment while supporting the wing's outreach and mission requirements.
<br> “We moved an MQ-9 static display up to Sacramento. It took two of our trucks and four Airmen,” said Taylor. “It takes a lot of preparation for Drill Status Guardsmen to take time off from school and work to make sure people and equipment are getting to the mission.”
<br> The unit is also postured to support humanitarian and emergency response operations. This capability was demonstrated during relief efforts following the Palisades Fire in Southern California in 2025, when ground transportation Airmen provided support during the response. Personnel transported the Disaster Relief Beddown Systems, barriers and heavy equipment to the affected areas.
<br> Ground Transportation operates behind the scenes, connecting personnel, equipment and resources while allowing Airmen and joint partners to focus on their respective missions. Their mobility support helps the 163d Attack Wing build a ready force capable of meeting mission demands at home and beyond.
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