JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
The 305th Aerial Port Squadron Airmen take their mission statement of “rapid global mobility excellence” to heart, every day.
One of the four busiest ports in the continental United States, the Can Do APS is responsible for the handling and transporting of mission essential troops and cargo around the world.
“We became America’s port of choice for a reason,” said Master Sgt. Guillermo Hernandez, a 305th APS special services section chief. “We don’t just push pallets. There’s so much more going on here.”
Responsible for more than 67 percent of the outgoing cargo exports in the country, the 305th APS was recently tasked by the Secretary of Defense with a crucial shipment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Fifty brand-new, up-armored Humvees are on their way to Iraq from the MDL port.
"These kind of movements are what we train for every day," said Tech Sgt. Christopher Bilbo, 305th APS special services NCO in charge. "We get large movements like this about once a quarter.”
Through regular training and constant performance in mission support, the 305th APS was prepared for this kind of mission, Bilbo said.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s 50 or 100 [Humvees],” Bilbo said. “It’s just another day.”
The 305th APS has directly supported nearly every major military contingency and humanitarian operation from 1994 to today, making this shipment of Humvees another example of the 305th APS’ rapid global reach.
“Being able to do such a quick turn-around on a shipment this large shows how rapid we can be,” said 1st Lt. Monique Caraghiuar, 305th APS air freight flight commander. “Not only are our aircraft enabling this mission, but the United States as a whole.”
Caraghiuar believes that the shipping of all 50 Humvees in under one week is a prime example of her porter’s dedication day in and day out.
“Their job is never ending and they do amazing work,” she said. “They work hard each and every day.”