8 LRS keeps the Pack moving

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Airmen from the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron loaded cargo onto 28 long-bed trucks Sept. 7 to 10 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to transport to Osan Air Base in support of 8th Fighter Wing flying operations while the runway undergoes construction here.

The purpose of the closure is to repair the runway after its many years of use, providing the Wolf Pack the capability to continue defending the base.

The LRS Airmen started bright and early each day, working long shifts in the high humidity to ensure completion of the relocation. They even had a helping hand from other units on base to include the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, 8th Security Forces Squadron, and units from the U.S. Army.

Throughout the day, cargo specialists loaded the trucks with equipment maintainers will use to operate at Osan to keep the jets in the air. More than 300 maintainers will temporarily relocate.

"After our guys load everything, our drivers make the journey at night to Osan in order to avoid traffic during the Korean holiday and make this transfer timely," said Capt. Jennifer Palko, 8 LRS deployment distribution flight commander. "Everyone on this operation is pumped and excited to be here and I'm enjoying seeing the passion these Airmen have in their job."

This isn't just a job they can do behind a desk; they are out there sweating and putting in physical labor, so that rewarding feeling at the end when their shift is over is something they all take great value in, Palko said.

"It's really all about being able to take the fight north, wherever we work out of--be it Kunsan or Osan," said Palko.

Senior Airman Mariana Hernandez-Chavez, 8 LRS forklift operator, was one of the workers putting in many hours.

"We are part of the mission support group, so supporting the mission is what we do," said Hernandez-Chavez. "We are the middle man and if it wasn't for our crew loading and transporting the equipment, the 35th Fighter Squadron wouldn't be able to continue the mission at Osan."

Loading cargo onto vehicles can be a dangerous job. All safety measures must be taken to prevent any safety incidents or mishaps.

"Preventing a mishap is what I'm always looking out for," said Senior Airman William Smith, 8 LRS traffic management journeyman. "It's important that I ensure all cargo is being spotted onto the trucks so there are no damages to the equipment, and more importantly, that no one is injured."

Smith said he enjoys getting out of the office and performing the physical labor side of the job. It has also given him a chance to form a tighter bond with his team.

"I wake up every morning looking forward to the camaraderie out here," said Smith. "Being at Kunsan has been the best assignment I've had so far."