Team Kadena works 'behind the scenes' for sister service

Staff Sgt. Samuel Owens, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, guides a Boeing 747 full of Marines from the 3rd Marines Expeditionary Force onto Kadena's flight line Jan. 6. The Airmen from the 733rd AMS and 18th Logistic Readiness Squadron, Installation Deployment Readiness Cell, coordinated the Marines' movement through the base by providing lodging, transportation, dining facilities and other services. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen)

Team Kadena works 'behind the scenes' for sister service

Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force unload from a Boeing 747 on Kadena's flight line Jan. 6. The Air Force provided the 3,000 Marines from the 3rd MEF with lodging, dining facilities, transportation and other services, in support of their movement through Kadena's Air Mobility Command Passenger Terminal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen)

Team Kadena works 'behind the scenes' for sister service

Airman 1st Class Jess Dureza, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, walks down the stairs leading to an airliner full of Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force on Kadena's flight line Jan 6. The Air Force provided the 3,000 Marines from the 3rd MEF with lodging, dining facilities, transportation and other services, in support of their movement through Kadena's Air Mobility Command Passenger Terminal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jonathan Steffen)

Team Kadena works 'behind the scenes' for sister service

Published Jan. 13, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- In a typical month, Kadena receives anywhere from 75 to 140 military personnel and various aircraft from throughout the Department of Defense through the Air Mobility Command passenger terminal.

But when 3,000 Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force passed through the terminal for a deployment Jan. 6, it was the Airmen from the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron and the 18th Logistic Readiness Squadron, Installation Deployment Readiness Cell, working behind the scenes that made the colossal movement possible.

"We provided the early planning and execution guidance [for the movement]," said Capt. Michael Lee, 18th LRS installation deployment officer. "As the host for all installation deployments and receptions for Kadena, we have visibility on all inbound and outbound units. We used [that resource] to deconflict any issues that could have happened."

According to Captain Lee, without this type of coordination from the LRS IDRC, the Marines could have landed without having transportation from the terminal, or a place to pre-stage, which could have left Marines either sitting on buses or standing outside for hours. In addition, the aircraft could have arrived without the material handling equipment or room to download them, a way to upload their cargo, or the personnel and equipment to refuel them.

Captain Lee said it was up to 18 LRS to not only receive the group of Marines, but to also coordinate nearly every aspect of their transition through Kadena.

"It took a lot of planning and coordination with other base agencies," said Captain Lee. Lodging, the base theater, dining facilities, the Air Mobility Squadron, LRS Vehicle Operations and the LRS Fuels Flight were just a few of the organizations Captain Lee's team helped coordinate.

"Moves like the III MEF rotation is why the 733rd AMS is here at Kadena and the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing is in the Pacific," said Lt. Col. Ryan Marshall, 733rd AMS commander. "Our partnership with the 18th Wing, specifically through the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron, enabled us to successfully move 2604 Marines and 38 tons of cargo with over 10 AMC airlift missions in only five days. This was a team effort and, without a doubt, a huge success."

"This has been very smooth," Captain Lee added. "The Marines and Airmen working this have been seamless and efficient."