News Search

67th aerial porters to compete in nationwide competition

  • Published
  • By Bryan Magaña
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Air Force Reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing's 67th Aerial Port Squadron are set to compete with 21 other squadrons from around the country during Air Force Reserve Command's Port Dawg Challenge Oct. 25-29.

The competition, held at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., includes 11 events designed to test their proficiency in performing aerial port tasks, such as passenger terminal operations and loading and offloading cargo. Other events include maneuvering driving courses with a 25-ton Halverson loader and a 10-ton forklift; processing cargo; planning loads; building up pallets; restraining cargo; processing cargo; and participating in a fit-to-fight test.

"This competition gives us a chance to share our experiences, the way we do things, and at the same time, gain knowledge from other units who are participating," said Chief Master Sgt. David Sill, 67th Aerial Port superintendant, who helped organize the team.

"We've picked a great team of Airmen who are very well qualified," Chief Sill said. "They've all recently deployed, so they've got experience under their belts. They've proven themselves to be high-quality performers."

Some of the 67th APS competitors recently served tours in Iraq in support of contingency operations there, while others deployed to Haiti as part of Operation Provide Comfort after the country's devastating earthquake earlier this year.

Chief Sill said the team's real-world experience will serve them well in the Port Dawg Challenge.

"We have a chance of finishing toward the top, if not winning, in many areas of the competition," he said.

Dobbins ARB hosted 22nd Air Force's Roundup aerial port competition in March 2009, which featured 18 squadrons assigned to the numbered air force. Port Dawg Challenge expands on that concept to include aerial port teams from 4th Air Force and 10th Air Force units.

The 67th APS team is one of two teams representing 10th Air Force.

Stay connected - Join the 419th on Facebook and YouTube.