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18th Logistical Readiness Squadron handles Readiness Inspection

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Jordan Bly, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron, prepares to move cargo on a 10K all-terrain vehicle, while Senior Airman Brandon Wiese, 18th LRS, marshals his movement on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23, 2012. This week, Pacific Air Forces Inspector General teams are inspecting the unit’s ability to survive and operate while moving and processing cargo for contingency or humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Laszlo Babocsi)

18th Logistical Readiness Squadron handles Readiness Inspection

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Senior Airman Brandon Wiese, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron, gives hand signals to Staff Sgt. Jordan Bly, 18th LRS, while moving cargo on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23, 2012. The two Airmen were processing cargo during a Pacific Air Forces readiness inspection, evaluating the 18th Wing’s capability to perform contingency or humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Laszlo Babocsi)

18th Logistical Readiness Squadron handles Readiness Inspection

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Senior Airman Brandon Wiese, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron, marshals Staff Sgt. Jordan Bly, 18th LRS, while moving cargo in a fork lift on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23, 2012. The two Airmen were processing cargo during a Pacific Air Forces readiness inspection, evaluating the 18th Wing’s capability to perform contingency or humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Laszlo Babocsi)

18th LRS keeps cargo moving

Published Oct. 24, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Laszlo Babocsi
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- As the "Keystone to the Pacific," the 18th Wing has the ability to provide crucial air support for contingency and humanitarian operations throughout the Pacific theater.

With that responsibility comes a lot of cargo that requires the work of the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron and its Airmen.

This week, Kadena Airmen are participating in a readiness inspection from the Pacific Air Forces Inspector General to ensure Airmen are mission ready.

"We are absolutely ready for this inspection," said Tech. Sgt. Billy Trocchio, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of small air terminal. "With all the training we have done to make it muscle memory and the checklist that we have in place, there is no doubt we will get the job done."

So far 18th LRS Airmen have been moving steadily though phase one of the inspection, receiving and deploying personnel and equipment for a simulated contingency.

"We can move cargo from start to having the aircraft full up and ready to deploy in 24 to 36 hours of the execution order," said Trocchio. "With all the training we have been doing, we will be able to launch everything - demonstrating our wartime capabilities."

The technical sergeant added that exercises and inspections prepare Airmen for the real thing when deploy to major real world operations like Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Tomodachi.

"Training is always paramount to readiness, if you don't take your training seriously and invest time into what you're learning you won't be able to respond when called into action," explained Trocchio.

The inspection also proves the importance of the 18th LRS's operational capabilities to deliver critical supplies and equipment to other units throughout the Pacific.

"We generate the cargo here, so that once a unit launches, the cargo they need to complete their mission is already in the air on its way," explained Trocchio.