LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --
Loadmasters from the 41st Airlift Squadron traveled to a
landing zone in Alexandria, Louisiana, to practice loading and offloading
methods typically used in austere locations Aug. 26, 2016. The mission for the
day was removing a 1,430-lb. C-130 engine stand trailer unit using the Combat
Offload Method B technique.
“This method is used primarily for bases that may not
have the capabilities or equipment to offload using method A,” said U.S. Air
Force Tech Sgt. Richard Mulhollen, 34th Combat Training Squadron loadmaster. “Method
A is when the pallets that are carrying the equipment are unlocked and the
plane drives forward, ultimately dragging the equipment off the aircraft from
underneath. (Method B) is a more gentle way to handle the equipment.”
Mulhollen said the goal is to have deployment crews’
first exposure to this method be in a safe and controlled environment. Doing
this training stateside decreases chances for mission failure abroad.
Combat Offload Method B allows almost any item not
exceeding 1500 lbs. to be transferred meticulously to its receiver.
For Airmen who are at the receiving end of any piece of
equipment, choosing an offload method is preferred when survivability and high
risk of damage is in question.
“When there is a risk of breaking equipment in the air or
if weather hinders an airdrop transfer, combat offloads are the way to go,”
said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonh Gordon, 34th CTS mission support
supervisor.
For this alternative offload method, eight barrels are
lined up – four on each side – parallel to the back ramp of the C-130. The
pallets securing engine stand are chained to the tailgate of a truck which will
help pull the equipment off the C-130 as it slowly taxis forward. As the
equipment is carefully removed, an airman from each side slides a barrel
underneath the corners of the pallet, creating a solid foundation for it to
rest up. The process continues until all barrels are all placed and the
equipment is completely removed from the aircraft.
This process must be synchronized, which demands constant
communication from the loadmasters, driver and aircrew. While this method is
performed, the aircraft’s engine remains running in order for the pilots to
slowly taxi and release the equipment.
After the equipment transfer is complete, a final thumbs
up from the loadmasters inform the aircrew that the equipment that been safely
and successfully removed.
Training is essential to remain ready to complete rapid
global mobility. Whether training at Little Rock Air Force Base or partnering
with other units at different landing zones, being prepared for combat
operations is the cornerstone of Combat Airlift.