305th APS prepares for Hurricane Sandy

Published Oct. 29, 2012
By By 2nd Lt. David J. Murphy
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Airmen from the 305th Aerial Port Squadron prepared the joint base Oct. 27 for Hurricane Sandy's forecasted arrival.

The 305th APS team prepared pallets and vehicles for local storage or transport to other military installations while also preparing 20 aircraft for evacuation.

"We have four main missions going on right now," said Maj. Ed Hogan, 305th APS commander. "We have an ongoing strategic-airlift mobility mission in support of United States Transportation Command; we're working to help launch 305th Air Mobility Wing assets in support of hurricane evacuation operations; we're working with the 621st Contingency Response Wing to support their departure; and we're working to close the port in preparation for Hurricane Sandy's impact."

The 305th APS is helping the 621st CRW move its equipment to MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., which will ensure the unit will continue operations, said David Lamphere, 305th APS terminal manager.

"We are working with the 621st CRW to get their joint task force port opening capability out of here and to a secure place in the event it is needed to respond following Hurricane Sandy's impact," said Lamphere.

Airmen from the 305th APS and the 621st CRW's 819th Global Support Squadron worked together to load, weigh and measure pallets and equipment to be transported via C-17 Globemaster IIIs.

"Right now we're setting up 23 pieces of cargo for two C-17s," said 1st Lt. Kathryn Church, 305th APS Cargo Operations Flight commander.

The 305th APS will fill an air-freight terminal building with more than 300 pallets and 20 vehicles, while loading oversized cargo onto finger docks.

"It's like a game of Tetris," Church added.

Many challenges face the 305th APS in preparation for Hurricane Sandy, but the right balance of personnel and mission goes a long way toward success.

"It's important to make sure everyone understands what it is we're driving toward, which in turn often enhances motivation," said Hogan. "Our people are self-motivated ... and as a team we have to keep that motivation going, especially in emergent situations. The 305th APS is at maximum capacity right now in regard to personnel who are present - we're working overtime to get the job done. The other element of all that is making sure people stay safe."

The "Port Dawgs" conducted similar operations in response to Hurricane Irene in 2011.

"Hurricane Irene provided us a great learning opportunity which helped significantly in preparing for Sandy," said Lamphere. "We were able to respond expediently and efficiently with a familiarity based on last year's efforts and a vigilant training and exercise program, as well."

The 305th APS will be standing by to resume full operations as soon as conditions allow.

We're prepared to attain full operational capability within 36 hours, Hogan said.