Air Transportation chiefs thank Port Dawgs for support during visit

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
  • 911 AW/PA
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  Two of the top enlisted members of the air transportation career field visited the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron to get a first-hand look at the unit's operations, during the January Unit Training Assembly.

Chief Master Sgt. T. J. Jones, Headquarters Air Force air transportation career field manager, and Chief Master Sgt. Mike Hale, Air Mobility Command air transportation functional manager, spent the UTA with the Port Dawgs during their first visit to the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station.

"We're here to review and check out how you do business, said Chief Jones. "I know your training is unique so I'm excited to see what you do on a weekend. We want to see what you need whether it be resources or training to make the job easier, at home or in a deployed environment."

According to Chief Jones and Hale, Guard and Reserve components make up about 64 percent of the Air Force's 12,000 members in the air transportation career field. If it wasn't for the Guard and Reserve's support, Active duty would be in Band E rather than their present Band D. This means that if it wasn't for Guardsmen and Reservists the active duty would be deployed for six months and home for six months, rather than being gone for six months and home for a year.

"Thank you for your support," said Chief Jones. "We couldn't do it without you. 12,000 Port Dawgs strong! Never take for granted what you do isn't important to the mission."

Chief Master Sgt. Joseph McArthur, 32nd Aerial Port Squadron, air transportation manager, introduced the two visiting chiefs to the Port Dawgs and encouraged unit members to talk to them and ask questions.

"The chiefs are deeply concerned about us," said Chief McArthur. "They want to hear about our issues and limitations."

Chief Jones was on-hand to see five Port Dawgs receive the Air Force Achievement Award and one receive the Air Force Commendation Medal for their recent deployment to Joint-base Balad, Iraq. Also during his visit, Chief Jones witnessed the promotion of three Port Dawgs. He even had the opportunity to participate in the promotion ceremony of one of them, Tech. Sgt. Melanie Mangan.

Although Chief Hale arrived later than Chief Jones, he was present for the coining of the three 911th Mission Support Group airmen and non-commissioned officers of the quarter.

"Thanks for letting me come out here," said Chief Jones. "I'm proud of what you do and I'm proud to be the chief up at Air Staff."

Before leaving, Chief McArthur gave Chief Jones and Chief Hale departing gifts. The chiefs each received a coin, as well as a hat with a 32nd APS logo in Pittsburgh Steeler colors for the appreciation of their time spent at the 911th Airlift Wing.

"It's only been one day but I feel like we're already part of your family, and I appreciate that," said Chief Hale.