Dobbins Airmen support airlift operations in Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Capt. Alan Abernethy
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. -- Dobbins Airmen from the 80th Aerial Port Squadron recently contributed to operations evacuating thousands of people from Afghanistan.

These Reserve Citizen Airmen are part of a team capable of performing every aerial port function needed to deploy units and ensure cargo is ready to fly, at short notice, said Chief Master Sgt. Luis Agredo, 80th APS superintendent.

Along with many other Reservists, these Airmen have played a huge role in what is being described by senior U.S. government officials as one of the largest airlift operations in history.

Aerial Porters expedite the movement of personnel, equipment and munitions for Air Force operations. These air transportation specialists ensure cargo is safe, ready to fly and prepared for loading onto aircraft. The coordination and logistics support they provide is crucial for mission success.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our Airmen,” said Brig. Gen. Craig McPike, 94th Airlift Wing commander. “An airlift operation of this scale needs the Reserve component; it can only be done with the total force."

The Defense Department evacuated American citizens, Afghans with special immigrant visa applications in process and other vulnerable Afghans out of the country.

Air Force Reserve Command Airmen contributed to the total force evacuation effort operating 17 aircraft to include, C-17 Globemaster III’s, C-130 Hercules, C-5M Super Galaxy’s, and KC-10 Extender with 73 aircrews and hundreds of maintenance, security, medical and support personnel. These Airmen were activated to ensure safe passage of Americans and Afghan allies from Kabul to locations throughout the globe.

In many cases, Air Force Reserve Airmen are blended into Total Force crews, mixing active duty, Guard and Reserve.

“The United States is the only nation capable of rapidly deploying forces to provide nonstop airlift operations at this scale. It would not be possible without the support of our Total Force—active, guard and Reserve Citizen Airmen.” said Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee, AFRC commander and Chief of the Air Force Reserve. “Once again, our Air Force Reservists are proudly answering our nation’s call, responding in less than 24 hours. I’m overwhelmed with pride as all of our Service men and women take care of Americans, our allies and vulnerable Afghans.”

The U.S. military concluded evacuation operations from Afghanistan in support of the Department of State on August 31.