PAX terminal works hard to support Army Published March 9, 2007 By Senior Airman Rachel Martinez McGuire Public Affairs MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ. -- As McGuire begins to work more with Fort Dix and Lakehurst due to Joint Basing initiatives, it's nothing new for one section of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron. The men and women of the McGuire Passenger Terminal have long been supporting other services, whether it is through handling Space-A travel, or helping large Army troop movements get on their way to their deployed locations. Saturday was one such example. "It gets pretty busy here because we touch every airframe that hits the ground," said Tech. Sgt. Norvel Brown, PAX terminal NCO in charge. On any typical day, the Airmen at the PAX terminal are responsible for manning a dispatch center, fleeting all vehicles assigned to them, preparing expendable packages for each aircraft, passenger manifesting, loading and unloading passengers, handling DVs, processing Space-A travelers, handling baggage and moving freight. But Saturday was not a typical day. "Saturday was extra special because we had inbound and outbound aircraft and a large troop movement," said Sergeant Brown. "But our guys handled it very well. We have a bunch of new Airmen, but they all fall right in and help out." The Airmen weren't the only ones working hard Saturday. The Army pitched in to help get their troops ready and off the ground. "The Army actually has their own load teams," said Airman 1st Class Samuel Mohren, PAX service agent. These load teams load the deploying Soldier's luggage onto the aircraft with the help and supervision of the Airmen. Once Joint Basing is complete, one can expect more cooperation and joint efforts to be seen with a number of new aircraft on the flightline. "Like I said, we touch every airframe that comes in here, that includes Army, Marines and Navy," said Sergeant Brown. "The other day was the first time we handled a helicopter. I imagine we'll be doing more of that once Joint Basing is completed." Whether it is handling a new mission because of Joint Basing or handling the same ones they have been doing for years, the PAX terminal personnel are prepared to make it happen. "We have been supporting our sister branches for years, and the same support will continue through the Joint Basing initiative," said 2nd Lt. Vanessa Swan, Passenger Services operations officer. "We will continue to support any mission and/or operation that is brought forth to APS."