Vehicle operations, roll out!

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Airman 1st Class Gregory Hulett, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron, vehicle operator, does pre-operational checks on a flatbed truck, Oct. 6. While the handling and delivery of cargo is a primary function of the vehicle operations control center shop, it’s not the only role they are required to fill in support of missions both stateside and downrange. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Anthony Sanchelli)

Vehicle operations, roll out!

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Airman 1st Class Gregory Hulett, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron, vehicle operator, climbs in the cab of a flat bed truck after checking the function of all lights and blinkers, Oct. 6. The Airmen of vehicle operations have trained themselves by repeatedly practicing ‘bugout’ procedures, plotting map coordinates and maintaining the accountability and status of all personnel and vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Anthony Sanchelli)

Vehicle operations, roll out!

Published Oct. 25, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- "We're like the UPS of the Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Jacob Green, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron chief dispatcher. "Materials comes in, then gets processed and delivered by us."

While the handling and delivery of cargo is a primary function of the vehicle operations control center shop, it's not the only role they are required to fill in support of missions both stateside and downrange.

"The Airmen of vehicle operations have trained themselves by repetitively practicing 'bugout' procedures, plotting map coordinates and maintaining the accountability and status of all personnel and vehicles," said Master Sgt. Michael Hoy, 28th LRS vehicle operations superintendent. "They train for convoy operations that add Army tactics, techniques and procedures to the mix."

These training scenarios are not all that different from the responsibilities required of the vehicle operations Airmen downrange.

"Right now, we haul supplies from one base to another in both Iraq and Afghanistan," Sergeant Green said.

While the mission downrange is focused on providing resources to servicemembers, the vehicle operations shop at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., centers around taking vehicle requests from all over the base and processing them. They also deliver parts and equipment necessary to keep the mission of the 28th Bomb Wing on point.

"Our mission is critical to any base's operations," Sergeant Hoy said. "Which is why we need to be prepared to handle any tasking asked of us."

The vehicle operations shop handles those assignments by ensuring all Airmen in the shop receive proficiency training on each type of vehicle assigned to the unit. Whether the focus is training, completing the mission at Ellsworth or doing their part downrange, Airman Derek Bright, 28th LRS vehicle operator, says everything the shop does helps further the mission of the 28th Bomb Wing.

"We get people the supplies and equipment they need to continue putting bombs on target," he said.