McGuire Aerial Port Squadron To Kickoff New Mission Published Jan. 16, 2008 By 011227 MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The 305th Air Mobility Wing invites media to attend a ceremony Jan. 2, inaugurating its aerial port squadron's first operation supporting a new mission that will save taxpayers millions and reduce cargo transport time to the warfighter. "Team McGuire's exceptional aerial port professionals are taking a hands-on approach with the addition of 58 new aerial port squadron positions and $2 million in facility upgrades," said Col. Balan Ayyar, 305 AMW commander. "Our role in this initiative will help reduce the average time required to airlift cargo from the U.S. to Iraq and Afghanistan by up to 24 hours, while also saving tax payers more than $40 million a year." McGuire was chosen as part of this effort because of its proximity to defense supply locations in the northeast used by the Department of Defense to support the warfighter. The 305th Air Mobility Wing will become one of two primary aerial ports for cargo operations flying into the Central Command theater. "The aerial port's new mission is yet another example of how Team McGuire shines at providing responsive, combat-ready mobility and expeditionary capability for America," said Colonel Ayyar. Media representatives interested in attending the ceremony should plan on arriving at the McGuire main gate (Defense Access Road) at 11 a.m. Jan. 2. - 30 - Note: For more information, contact the 305th AMW Pubic Affairs Office (609) 754-2104.