Kadena Airmen work 'behind the scenes' for sister service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Airmen from the 18th Logistic Readiness Squadron worked behind the scenes to make the movement possible of more than 3,000 deploying Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force Jan 6, here.

In a typical month, Kadena Air Base receives anywhere from 75 to 140 military personnel and various aircraft from throughout the Department of Defense through the Air Mobility Command passenger terminal.

"We provided the early planning and execution guidance [for the movement]," said Capt. Michael Lee, 18th LRS installation deployment officer. "As the host for all installation deployments and receptions for Kadena, we have visibility on all inbound and outbound units. We used [that resource] to deconflict any issues that could have happened."

According to Captain Lee, without this type of coordination from the LRS IDRC, the Marines could have landed without having transportation from the terminal, or a place to pre-stage, which could have left Marines either sitting on buses or standing outside for hours. In addition, the aircraft could have arrived without the material handling equipment or room to download them, a way to upload their cargo, or the personnel and equipment to refuel them.

Captain Lee said it was up to 18 LRS to not only receive the group of Marines, but to also coordinate nearly every aspect of their transition through Kadena.

"It took a lot of planning and coordination with other base agencies," said Captain Lee. Lodging, the base theater, dining facilities, the Air Mobility Squadron, LRS Vehicle Operations and the LRS Fuels Flight were just a few of the organizations Captain Lee's team helped coordinate.

The captain said the biggest issue comes from the team keeping the cargo deployment function from being frustrated.

"If there are large numbers of aircraft and cargo coming in, we have a limited area to inspect, stage, and load the cargo - a frustration here with cargo or at the terminal with passengers could have created issues with aircraft generation and landing, not to mention posed a significant safety risk to passengers being intermixed with material handling equipment and aircraft," said Captain Lee.

"This has been very smooth," he added. "The Marines and Airmen working this have been seamless and efficient."

In a typical month, Kadena receives anywhere from 75 to 140 military personnel and various aircraft from throughout the Department of Defense through the Air Mobility Command passenger terminal.