Loadmaster keeps cargo, personnel moving downrange

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  At the heart of every military operation are troops and supplies. Without these vital assets, the mission would fail. Operation Iraqi Freedom is no different, which is why the airlift mission of the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron is so important.

Senior Airman Blake Landry, 737th EAS C-130H loadmaster, is part of this vital mission moving troops and supplies throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

"As a loadmaster, I'm responsible for the safe loading and offloading of the aircraft," said the Breaux Bridge, La. native, deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan. "Additionally, I monitor aircraft systems and assist with engine start. It's my job to ensure personnel and cargo arrive at their destination safely and on time."

Working at the primary aerial hub for OIF, Airman Landry and other C-130H crews transport hundreds of tons of equipment and thousands of personnel downrange daily.

The 4-year Air Force veteran said his days can begin early and usually include several missions, oftentimes traveling to multiple locations in theater.

"Once we are alerted to fly a mission, we have about an hour to get all necessary preparations made to set ourselves up for success," he said. The loadmaster's preflight routine includes gathering his necessary gear such as life support equipment, night vision goggles and weapon. After an intelligence briefing, he heads out to the aircraft with his fellow loadmaster to complete a pre-inspection of the aircraft's cargo bay.

"After we meet with an [air terminal operations center] representative we're then able to configure the aircraft to accommodate the personnel and cargo planned for that particular mission," he said. "From there, we travel to various landing zones where we resupply and transport cargo or personnel to different bases in the AOR."

Now serving on his third deployment, his second deployment here with the 737th EAS, Airman Landry said he is enjoying his time in Southwest Asia.

"Each deployment has been a unique learning experience for me," he said. "This particular rotation I am the experienced loadmaster on the aircrew, so each day I try to make it a learning experience by sharing past experiences or presenting challenges for the next generation of loadmasters."

Working as a loadmaster instructor at his home station, Airman Landry typically spends his time instructing loadmasters on aircraft systems, preflights, normal/emergency operational procedures and airdrops. He also performs initial qualification training to new instructors and requalification training for unqualified loadmasters and advises aircrews of malfunctions and recommends proper corrective actions for loading, offloading and airdrops. As a loadmaster instructor, Airman Landry said he also preplans aircraft cargo loads and supervises ground personnel involved in loading and offloading operations.

The C-130H loadmaster said one of the best aspects of being deployed is seeing all of the training they do at home station being put to work.

"Here we are in the combat mindset," he said. "We train year round for this."

The loadmaster added that loadmasters must possess a few particular qualities in order to be successful out in the field.

"To be successful in my career field you have to be able to communicate and coordinate with different agencies to finish the mission successfully," he said.

Airman Landry said one thing many people might not know about his job is that armed correctly, they are able to complete their mission under less than ideal circumstances.

"We are able to navigate into tactical airfields in the dark using NVGs under hostile fire and in inclement weather," he said. "We are the last of the airlifters capable of landing in austere locations on dirt landing zones."

The Airman added that while he enjoys the valuable experience of deploying, it is hard being away from his loved ones back home.

"The biggest challenge is staying positive while being away from family and friends," he said. "It's very important in a deployed environment to keep yourself busy and motivated. For me, staying active at the gym as well as furthering my college education keeps me striving for excellence on and off duty."