A package of support

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Delano Scott
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Yokota utilizes 14 C-130 Hercules and other aircraft to accomplish its mission of providing professional airlift to U.S. allies in the Indo-Asia Pacific region. When parts are required to keep aircraft running and the mission going, how do they get here? When other bases worldwide require mission essential cargo found here at Yokota, who delivers it?

Members of the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Office's inbound and outbound cargo sections face and answer these questions each and every day.

The 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Office's outbound cargo section packs, processes and ships cargo for units throughout Yokota. The outbound cargo section is responsible for shipping out government cargo to include aircraft parts and other mission essential items to bases worldwide.

"We usually receive 50 to 70 pieces of aircraft parts and other types of cargo that need to be packed for shipment," said Senior Airman Brandon Walsh, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron outbound specialist as he removed his noticeably battered gloves.

TMO's outbound cargo section ensures that cargo makes it to its destination efficiently and safely by following guidelines that make certain goods are packaged and labeled correctly.

"Our attention to detail is key," Walsh said. 

This attention to detail is reflected in inbound cargo section side of TMO's. The inbound cargo section, located in separate warehouse, is responsible for accepting and dispersing all government cargo shipped to Yokota.

"Our biggest priority is to ensure that the aircraft parts we receive are made available immediately," said Senior Airman Randi Young, 374 LRS receiving specialist. "We supply our maintainers with the parts they need so that our planes are always ready to fly."

The process of having aircraft parts and other government cargo shipped to Yokota begins with the base supply system. Shipments ordered by units and agencies on Yokota are review by TMO, allowing them to prioritize the speed of cargo delivery based on mission necessity. Once shipments arrive at Yokota, inbound cargo then inspects the delivery to ensure that the load is free of any damage or defects. As TMO also handles hazardous material, TMO Airmen must be properly trained and certified. Finally, the shipment is delivered to its intended target.    

"Being overseas, we do see some unique challenges when it comes to giving our customers the parts they need," Young said. "Becuase it can take longer for certain cargo to arrive, reassuring and remaining in direct contact with customers is important. It lets the customer know that we are doing everything in our power to ensure that their cargo is arriving as soon as possible."