Grand Forks Airmen put visiting aircraft to work for training Published Feb. 24, 2012 By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Although the KC-135 refueling tanker mission has left Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., the necessity to effectively and efficiently load cargo onto the various types of aircraft in the Air Force arsenal still remains. That's why Airmen from the from the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron braved freezing temperatures and snowfall to take advantage of the opportunity to conduct cargo load training aboard a visiting aircraft on Feb. 22, 2012. Leading the training was Staff Sgt. Andy Ammerman, an air transportation specialist from 319th LRS with more than 5,000 successful aircraft cargo loads to his credit and one of two NCOs who helped coordinate the training aboard the C-130 Hercules. "The goal of the training is to expose these Airmen to loading cargo aboard a real, live aircraft, especially since there is limited airflow here at Grand Forks (AFB)," said Ammerman. "This training will help the Airmen gain valuable experience and knowledge on how to accomplish assigned duties during exercises and real-world scenarios to sustain deployments." Nine Airmen took part in the training scenario, four from air operations and five LRS augmentees, who typically perform similar procedures during military exercises, such as the base readiness exercise that took place in January. According to Tech. Sgt. Kevin Reiter, the training scenario load planner and 319th LRS training manager, the nine Airmen worked as a team to load two separate shipments each consisting of one all-terrain vehicle, an ATV trailer, and an aircraft pallet. In all, nearly 6,000 pounds of cargo were loaded on and taken off the aircraft, which is assigned to the 133rd Airlift Wing, an Air National Guard unit from Minnesota. As with any military operation, safety was an important part of the day's training. "Of course safety is always number one," said Ammerman. "This isn't just about loading cargo onto a plane. It's about loading the cargo the safe and proper way, and that means completing the training with zero discrepancies and safety mishaps." The event generated positive feedback from those participating in the training. "Having the opportunity to get hands-on experience in any career is what builds confidence into the workplace," said Airman 1st Class Grant Gleason, an air transportation journeyman with the 319th LRS. "This training today is essential for gaining the skills I need to get better at my job. "Not only can I work on my weaknesses, but I'm also able to be part of a team that is getting stronger with more experience," said Gleason, who completed technical school training about seven months ago. "I'm certainly looking forward to more live cargo movements and strengthen my skills to better serve the Air Force."