Yokota port moves essential parts for Navy

  • Published
  • By 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing
  • Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Airmen from the 730th Air Mobility Squadron successfully downloaded three critical stern shafts destined for the USS Shiloh using their new C-5 Aerial Port Expediter program at Yokota Air Base, Japan.  The squadron's APEX program is currently the only one in the Indo-Asia Pacific Region equipped with the expertise required to move the stern shafts off C-5 aircraft without aircrew assistance and transport them safely over land to Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.

"This was no easy task," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Sabatine, 730 AMS.  "It took the combined efforts of three aerial port sections and the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron to ensure a successful movement."

The 730 AMS's APEX representatives served as on-the-ground subject matter experts and liaised with the aircrew to safely expedite the off-loading of the stern shafts.

The stern shafts were flown from Travis AFB, California, to Yokota on three separate channel missions. The first arrived at Yokota Aug. 15 weighing 30 tons and measuring 55 feet long. The second shaft was downloaded Aug. 22. It weighed 43 tons and was 60 feet long. The final shaft weighed 61 tons, measured 97 feet long and was transferred Aug. 29.

The stern shafts are integral to complete routine maintenance aboard the USS Shiloh which supports security and stability measures in the region with the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet. 

Lt. Col. Wes Adams, 730th AMS commander, said shipments like this demonstrate the importance of having highly-trained aerial port personnel throughout the Pacific.

"The stern shafts for the USS Shiloh are not routine cargo," Adams said. "These are very large, require precision load planning and movement, and call for a highly-trained crew to transport. It is a rare day that our Port Dawgs don't rise to the occasion and impress me and this Navy shipment is no exception."

The 730th AMS will increase the APEX program capabilities by training more aerial port expeditors. Currently, it compliments the existing C-17 APEX program at Yokota.