Soldiers with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Airmen from the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, load communications equipment onto a C-17 Globemaster III at the Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group Jan. 15, 2017. The equipment is headed to the 3rd ABCT area of operations in Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)
By Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
Soldiers and Airmen teamed up Jan. 15, 2017, to load communication equipment onto a C-17 Globemaster III destined for Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve.
The equipment belongs to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, which is currently on a nine-month rotation supporting the mission tasked with enhancing deterrence capabilities in the region, improving the U.S. ability to respond to potential crises and defending allies and partners in the European community.
Soldiers from the “Iron” Brigade and Airmen from the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, conducted the strategic airlift at the Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group near the Colorado Springs Airport.
Staff Sgt. Todd Duncan, left, petroleum, oil and lubricant NCO in charge, and Spc. Luis Rios, petroleum supply specialist, both from Company H, 1st Battalion 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, strap down a satellite communication system inside a C-17 Globemaster III Jan. 15, 2017, at the Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)
“(Strategic airlift) is the best method for moving our equipment into the theater of operations,” said Sgt. 1st Class John Blankenship, mobility NCO officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd ABCT.
Air travel allows time-sensitive items to go through the proper validation and verification procedures prior to transport, he said.
“The unit might have to change hardware or software (in theater), and … using strategic airlift ensures that the repair personnel have enough time to complete the necessary services,” said Blankenship.
The equipment was staged prior to loading to ensure proper weight distribution on the cargo aircraft.
“We also go through a joint inspection process where the load is reviewed prior to movement.”
All safety precautions are taken into consideration throughout the process.
“Safety to the aircraft and Soldiers ensures safety to the people down below,” Blankenship said.
Pvt. Jaquarius Bobo, an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer, 1st Battalion 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, secures equipment inside a C-17 Globemaster III during a strategic airlift mission at the Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group Jan. 15, 2017. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)
The Airmen provided guidance on properly and safely loading and securing equipment into the aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Todd Duncan, petroleum supply specialist NCO in charge, 1st Battalion, 6th Armor Regiment, 3rd ABCT.
“They tell us how they need the equipment loaded onto the aircraft, and we assist them with the load and strapping it down,” said Duncan.
This was the Soldiers’ first time participating in a strategic airlift mission.
“The Soldiers were excited on being a part of this mission and working with Air Force personnel,” said Duncan.
Soldiers with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Airmen from the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, complete loading a C-17 Globemaster III with communications equipment at the Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group Jan. 15, 2017. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)