Aerial Port Rebalancing Accelerates Cargo Movement and Reduces Cost Published Nov. 7, 2007 By 081101 SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Aerial port rebalancing efforts are underway to speed the delivery of cargo destined for warfighters deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The proposed actions will also significantly reduce the overall cost of operations to the American taxpayer. Beginning Jan. 1, most cargo destined for locations in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility will shift from Charleston AFB, S.C., to aerial ports at Dover AFB, Del., and McGuire AFB, N.J. Currently, the Department of Defense contracts commercial trucks to transport cargo from northeast defense supply locations to Charleston, bypassing aerial ports at Dover and McGuire. Aircraft, some of which are based at Dover and McGuire, fly to Charleston, then upload and transport the cargo to troops deployed overseas. After the first of the year, Dover and McGuire will become the primary aerial ports for channel cargo operations flying into the CENTCOM theater. In addition to reducing cargo movement time by 18 to 24 hours, these efforts are expected to save U.S. taxpayers more than $40.3 million a year. Charleston AFB remains an essential element in our nation's air cargo operations and will continue to provide vital support to our deployed forces as the gateway for shipment of thousands of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which are designed to protect troops from mines and improvised explosive devices. In addition, Charleston's aerial port is essential in sustaining current and emerging operations in South America and Africa. Charleston will continue operations as the largest C-17 base in Air Mobility Command. - 30 -