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The 86th Munitions Squadron performed a tactical air munitions rapid response package exercise Tuesday on Ramstein.
“With the help of the quarterly TARRP exercises, the Airmen of the 86th MUNS make the real-world missions possible,” said Master Sgt. Howard Johnson, 86th MUNS TARRP section noncommissioned officer in charge. The TARRP section has inspected and maintained more than 200 463L aircraft pallets, 700 cargo nets and 8,000 chain/binder assemblies all valued at more than $1 million.
“To date, a total of 120 Airmen have been trained to execute this mission with the TARRP exercise as a way to keep personnel current and to train new personnel in the process,” said Chief Master Sgt. Shannon Middleton, 86th MUNS ammunitions chief.
To start the exercise, each team was given specific objectives and timelines to meet simulated airlift delivery times.The teams developed load plans, in addition to obtaining all necessary equipment such as pallets, nets, chains and binders.
After all equipment was inspected, the teams palletized the assets on aircraft pallets and secured them for dedicated airlift.
Chains and binders need to be secured a certain way due to the tension and weight on them, said Middleton. Otherwise the load could become loose in movement — something not wanted either in flight or surface movement. After the pallets were built, the teams gathered critical data and sent it to all activities involved in scheduling airlift.
“During an exercise, there are generally two teams of six; however, the entire squadron participated in this exercise one way or another,” Middleton said.
“It’s essential for everyone to participate so we are more familiar with the process and tempo of operations,” said Airman 1st Class Giovanni Pinzon, 86th MUNS TARRP crew member.
“Doing these exercises helps us train and prepare for real-world missions,” said Tech. Sgt. Justin Hamilton, 86th MUNS NCOIC storage dispatch.
Our hard work paid off in 2011 in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn and Operation Unified Protector, Johnson said.
They moved more than 282 short tons of munitions downrange in support of those operations.
“Real-world missions such as (OOD/OUP) validate all of our hard work and focused practice,” Johnson said. “These exercises give us a chance to hone our skills and focus on our mission tasks.”
