Vigilant Ready to support the Navy

by Tech Sgt. Efrain Sanchez
156th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/18/2015 - CAROLINA, Puerto Rico  – The 156th Airlift Wing provided logistical and maintenance support to the Navy at Puerto Rico Air National Guard Base Muñiz, Dec 5 thru 11.

Two  C-2 cargo planes flew in from the USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier to drop off navy personnel, and pick up pre-ordered supplies and equipment for the vessel.

The Transportation and Management Office within the156th Logistics Readiness Squadron arranged the unloading, and staging of equipment and supplies as the aircraft arrived on base from the aircraft carrier. The TMO team also assisted the Navy crew in preparation of documentation for hazardous material.

Air Transportation Unit Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Harry Capó said his team allocated a clear clean working space, and an area for the air crew members to meet and review their flight plans and manifest information.

“We supported them with forklifts to move their cargo,” said Capó. “Also we gave them access to the ramp for aircraft maintenance and the156th Security Forces provided around the clock surveillance of the C-2 planes on the flight line.”

During their week stay, Senior Master Sgt. Julie Figueroa, Flight Services manager, 156th Operations Support Squadron, coordinated the ramp space and fueling of the aircrafts.

“The ground support provided by the wing went smoothly without any irregularities,” said Figueroa. “I have not received any concerns from the Navy and that is a positive sign that we are tracking.”

Lt. Desmond Fournier, VRC-30 Detachment 2, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron, U.S. Navy Public Affairs officer said the Navy aircrafts provide logistical support for the USS George Washington by moving needed equipment parts and supplies not readily available on ship.

“The parts are ordered and received here on Muñiz,” said Fournier. “We are the connecting link that transports the parts to the ship.”

“The reason for our visit is to set up a short term forward logistics site for several days for our needed supplies, cargo and transport of personnel,” he said.

“The mission is to provide logistical support for the vessel’s journey from San Diego, California to South America and ending on its last leg in Norfolk, Virginia.”

The 156th Airlift Wing is always on mission and vigilant ready to give support to its Navy counterparts with essential logistical operations.