920th Logistics Readiness Squadron outfits wing for mission success

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Darius Sostremiroir, 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
  • 920th Rescue Wing

To get Airmen around the world and supplied for operations requires a team of dedicated professionals and the 920th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s critical role keeps the 920th Rescue Wing moving to meet mission requirements.

The 920th LRS is made up of a team that includes material management suppliers, aerial porters, logistics planners, and vehicle ground support experts that keep the wing supplied and moving with the right materials and equipment.

“Fundamentally this team is able to get all of the people and equipment to the right location at any time and effectively executing these jobs is the core of LRS,” said Maj. Ryan Hatfield, 920th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander.

Material suppliers make sure that parts are functional and available for maintenance so that aircraft, vehicles, and tools can be fixed or replaced. This allows the maintenance group and other areas of LRS to get the aircraft in the air and complete the mission.

Aerial porters build pallets while making sure all items are accounted for. They safely deliver and load pallets onto the aircraft, ensuring the weight and balance are correct. They are in charge of passenger services who oversee the check in and boarding of passengers. They are also in charge of the riggers whose critical role is to attach parachutes to droppable cargo.

“The 920th LRS plays an important role in the success of the wing’s mission. We train on a daily basis to stay efficient and be ready to go out the door anytime,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob McKague, a 920th LRS aerial porter and rigger.

Planning is a major part of logistics and the logistics planners are responsible for generating paperwork for all future LRS missions and ensure that all requirements for success are provided in full detail.

Once ready for loading, vehicle ground support coordinates and executes the transportation of materials, goods, and passengers to various locations in a safe and timely manner.

 “When it all comes together you have to make sure that you’re able to turn at a moment’s notice, which allows the people and the equipment to get to the right place on time so that they can conduct operations. Having multicapable Airmen in the squadron means that they’re there to not only load or unload an aircraft but are also capable of defending the perimeter or other tasks so we are able to maximize our success,” said Maj. Hatfield.

The 920th LRS tested their readiness during the wing’s FURY HORIZON 22 exercise where 120 airmen were trained by the 920th Security Forces Squadron to complete several small unit tactics including land mapping, patrolling, and setting up base Security. They also worked with the 920th Force Support Squadron to learn how to properly meal prep for large groups.

The 920th LRS continues to train Airmen to be multicapable so that they can utilize every person in the squadron. They train extensively to identify what the future mission is, being able to prepare for that it, and execute it successfully.

“When it comes to the rescue mission no matter what we do in the wing, everyone plays a vital role. It doesn’t matter what our competitors throw at us, we stand ready to go in and rescue isolated personnel,” said Maj. Hatfield.