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Joint team ensures supplies get to warfighters

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
  • U.S. AFCENT Combat Camera
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Less than 30 seconds, that's all it takes for 40 container-delivery-system bundles, totaling 70,000 pounds of supplies, to drop out of the back of a C-17 Globemaster III.

As the bundles descend toward the designated drop zone, Airmen from the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron watch another successful delivery of supplies to warfighters on the ground. While it takes just 30 seconds for the bundles to be air dropped, a successful mission begins long before takeoff.

"For an airdrop to be successful, it all starts with Soldiers and Airmen working as a team," said Maj. Mike Parker, an 816th EAS C-17 pilot at an undisclosed air base in Southwest Asia. "People always see the end result of an airdrop, but without our joint team we couldn't deliver the supplies warfighters need to be successful."

After a request for supplies is put in from troops on the ground, a small team of Soldiers from the 824th Quartermasters Company, Detachment 8, deployed from Fort Bragg, N.C., come together to load life-essential supplies into bundles that will be air dropped over the battlefield.

"We're a small team, but we understand the impact our mission, combined with the Air Force, has for our forces on the ground," said Army Sergeant 1st Class Jonathan Hall, an 824th QC, Det. 8 rigger. "It's a big challenge for us to take on, but we do it with pride."

These Army riggers build bundles containing food, water, fuel, ammunition and other supplies. In the month of April, Soldiers with the unit built more than 1,000 bundles for servicemembers serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.

"We can take pride in the fact that what we're doing is directly supporting warfighters in Iraq, Afghanistan or wherever supplies are needed in theater," said Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Hall, an 824th QC, Det. 8 rigger. "Our team puts a lot of effort into ensuring we get the bundles we rig right the first time. We understand that somebody is relying on us to get them the supplies they need to complete their various missions."

After bundles are rigged and ready for delivery, Airmen from the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron take them to waiting aircraft for delivery.

"Sometimes we get overlooked in the air-drop process," said Tech. Sgt. Collin Skinner, an 8th EAMS aerial porter at an undisclosed air base in Southwest Asia. "But there are no small parts in the process. Our aerial porters are out here every day making sure people and supplies get to their destinations. It's a total team effort and we're happy to be a part of it."

After the bundles are loaded aboard the aircraft, a joint team of Soldiers and Airmen inspect each bundle to ensure it is secure. The team also inspects the parachutes to ensure they are ready to deploy upon being dropped out of the aircraft.

"Almost 100 percent of the time when we get bundles from the Soldiers, they're ready for delivery," said Senior Airman Brandon Ybarra, an 816th EAS loadmaster and air-drop inspector. "These guys are good at what they do and I love working with them."

After the inspection is compete, Airmen take off and make the delivery, after coordinating with warfighters on the ground.

"Communication and teamwork are what makes us a valuable asset for our air and ground commanders," Major Parker said. "Airmen and Soldiers work at home station, aircrews flying with precision, and ground assets telling us where to drop supplies means success for our warfighters."