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Multi-wing training ensures mission success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Units from the 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings and the 621st Contingency Response Wing conducted a multi-wing training using the winch system on the C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Jan. 27, 2015.

Load masters of the 6th Airlift Squadron, 732nd Airlift Squadron and 817th and 818th Contingency Response Groups received classroom instruction on proper procedures and possible hazards of loading cargo onto aircraft before moving to the airfield to exercise their lesson, here.

"Using the winch is the most dangerous thing we do in the jet," said Staff Sgt. C.J. Crew, 305th Operations Support Squadron Wing Tactics load master instructor. "There are a lot of things that could happen and have dangerous aspects. As long as you follow your technical orders, checklist and are cautious of your environment, everything will be safe."

The airlift squadrons don't train with the winch system often, but do use it regularly for missions when handling basic palletized supplies.

"We do a lot of instruction in the classroom, but to be able to have hands on is instrumental," Crew said. "The purpose of today's training is to give all the newer load masters, and even some of the seasoned load masters, some hands on training."

Crew noted the benefits of the joint training and how several pieces needed to be in order to make the training a success, to include using real-world equipment from the 621st CRW and an aircraft from the 305th AMW.

"(The other units) need the training just like we do, from applying what we learned in the classroom to working with the equipment on the jet," Crew said. "It's really good that we could come together with them to train. We work with the others a lot and it gives our newer load masters a chance to train with them and see what we'd do in real-world missions."

The group of more than 30 experienced and novice load masters received hands-on training with a generator trailer and large truck while learning different ways to position the winch for loading.

"This is my first time participating in winch training and my second time being on a static aircraft out here," said Tech. Sgt. James Warrenburg, 6th AS load master. "Overall the training is great, especially for new guys like myself. We've got an influx of personnel, so this hands-on opportunity came together at a perfect time."