GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Airmen honed their skills while supporting communities in need by loading cargo at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., in support of the Denton Humanitarian Assistance program, Jun. 6, 2025.
Airmen assigned to the 49th Aerial Port Squadron loaded the cargo, totaling over 8,000 pounds, onto a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Air Wing during an engine running onload/offload (ERO) operation. During an ERO, crews load cargo onto an aircraft while its engines are running, enabling quick support of humanitarian relief efforts, disaster and contingency operations.
The humanitarian aid mission gave Airmen hands-on experience that developed their efficiency and attention to detail while simulating a deployed environment.
“In contingency or deployed locations, ERO operations are common, allowing for reduced aircraft ground time,” noted Tech. Sgt. John Peterson, 49th APS assistant aerial port manager. “This one event allowed for hands-on initial and refresher training for more than 25 members, covering at least 28 tasks.”
The Denton Humanitarian Assistance program was created by Jeremiah Denton, a former Alabama Senator and former Vietnam prisoner of war, to provide humanitarian relief to developing nations. Coordinated by the U.S. Transportation Command, it allows the Department of Defense the authority to use space available on U.S. military aircraft to transport humanitarian aid donated by non-governmental organizations to developing nations.
The 49th APS received 18 skids of humanitarian aid from Hearts in Motion, a local organization based in Schererville, Ind. The cargo included items to help elderly and disabled people have an improved quality of life, such as walkers, wheelchairs, food and toiletries. These items were delivered to Guatemala to support those in need.
Members of the 49th APS continuously train to provide expeditionary aerial port operational support of various training exercises, humanitarian missions, and contingency and combat operations.