JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron teamed up with the 89th Aerial Port Squadron and the 2-263rd Air Defense Artillery Battalion for a joint training in an effort to prepare for potential deployment of cargo at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 2, 2022.
The 2-263rd ADAB, a unit from the South Carolina Army National Guard, brought vehicles and equipment to practice processing through JBA’s cargo deployment function point of debarkation.
This point serves as the main embarkation and debarkation point for all installations and joint partners throughout the National Capital Region, meaning if a unit deploys or returns from deployment with vehicles or large equipment, they must process through this point.
The process starts with a foreign object and debris check on the tires of the vehicles. Once complete, each vehicle is ushered through a checkpoint with cameras and scales to scan and weigh the cargo. After that has been completed, a safety inspection is conducted and secondary measurements are taken before the vehicles are handed off to the 89th APS for loading.
This allows the 316th LRS to provide information to the 89th APS to ensure the safety of the load as well as to take inventory and provide measurements and digital scans for anything going on to, or coming off of, an aircraft.
This process enables the support of mission partners by fostering communication and the ability to work together on different parts of the same thing to mobilize assets wherever the mission requires.
“When we hold these exercises, we do them like we’re going to do it in a real world scenario,” said 2nd Lt. Gabriel Wilkens, 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron deployment distribution flight commander. “That’s why we bring in our joint partners, to familiarize them with our operations and vice versa.”
Lt. Col. John Roache, 263rd Army Air & Missile Defense Command officer in-charge of minimum deployment package radar integration for VIP movements, also noted the importance of joint service integration.
“We rely on the Air Force and transportation command for Air Mobility,” said Roache. “We have to train together in order to execute together.”
This is the first time the 2-263rd ADAB has had the opportunity to train with the 316th LRS, and there is a reason why it is being integrated now.
“A new unit works with us every year,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Hubler, 316th Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. “The 2-263rd is going to be on alert throughout the holiday season, and by hosting these trainings, we are making sure we are all ready to get them where they need to be at a moment's notice.”