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Port Dawgs prove versatility

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jami K. Lancette
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Training and real-world missions often go hand-in-hand; such was the case for 25 Grissom Airmen who recently went to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Grissom's 49th Aerial Port Flight rolled up their sleeves and got to work during their recent two week annual tour training trip.

One of the coolest things that the team got to participate in was an exercise that was going on called Polar Force 12, said Master Sgt. Kevin Connell, 49th APF superintendant. They were able to participate and help Elmendorf personnel with their exercise, which gave them the opportunity to train on additional items for which they hadn't had the opportunity.

In addition to the exercise, Airmen helped with real-world missions and joint inspection training that were taking place at the base.

"The joint inspection training is one of our biggest functions when we move cargo and passengers in a timely manner, and we got a lot of experience on some unique pieces of cargo, which can help us in the future," elaborated Connelly.

With such a busy schedule there were some Airmen that managed to use what little spare time they had to volunteer on base.

Senior Airman James Jackson, 49th APF apprentice did a lot of volunteer work for a charitable organization on base, said Connelly.

Their outstanding work in a jam-packed schedule also caught the attention of some of Elmendorf's higher ranking members.

"Tech. Sgt. Dwayne Smith was the team chief, and he was actually recognized by Elmendorf's Aerial Port commander with a coin for refining their out brief slides," said Connelly. "Our team had nothing but compliments from their commander, chief and first sergeant about the way our personnel performed."

The Grissom crew participated and helped in a multitude of duties at a moment's notice and excelled with no problems.
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There were zero issues with personnel," said Connelly. "Everybody stepped up and did their job and represented Grissom very well; they put a stamp on Elmendorf and what they think of the 49th APF.

"That was by far the most cooperative, productive and best annual tour I've had in 8 years," he added.

The 49th Aerial Port Flight is a part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer