Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska -- At the heart of every deployment from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson – no matter the branch, unit or aircraft – one detachment holds the responsibility as the last step before flight.
“Nothing flies without a joint inspection, nothing gets loaded, and nothing leaves without our grace,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott Munn, 732nd Air Mobility Squadron capability forecaster. “We are the last step to ensure the cargo is airworthy … [and] everything is good to go.”
The 732nd AMS directly supported the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division’s deployment, inspecting their cargo, loading their personnel, and maintaining the aircraft before departure. They inspected approximately 152 tons of cargo and assisted more than 800 Soldiers.
“Our maintenance, fleet, freight and passenger-processing support is critical for in-transit missions,” said Air Force 1st Lt. Lawrence Lampkin, 732nd Air Mobility Squadron aircraft services officer in charge. “The Airmen of the 732nd do an outstanding job of ensuring that any aircraft that leaves JBER can reach any part of the world.”
The 732nd AMS is a versatile detachment, able to provide key departure duties efficiently and at a moment’s notice for anyone going anywhere, fulfilling JBER’s primary global mission.
Joint inspections are necessary before a flight to ensure the safety of the personnel in the aircraft, the aircraft, and the rest of the cargo because the smallest discrepancy could hinder an operation. Certified inspectors look for anything potentially dangerous with heavy coordination with the pilots and load masters for mission safety and success.
“We are the only entity on base that provides joint inspections required for any unit to deploy out of here,” Munn said. “We work with the Army all the time, and any time they need to leave, they go through us.”
The 732nd AMS works hand-in-hand with the Joint Mobility Complex and installation deployment officers. When a unit wants to leave, they complete the necessary paperwork and package their cargo to the best of their ability before sending the request through the JMC; when everything is done, they contact the AMS to schedule a joint inspection.
The inspection is usually scheduled a day or two before launch so that nothing is shifted or moved while waiting, and may last between four and 16 hours depending on how well the cargo is packed.
On the day of departure, the 732nd AMS load personnel, cargo and baggage working alongside the load master and aircrew. Additionally, they check and maintain the aircraft until it is marshalled out for extra measure.
The AMS is essential for America’s only arctic joint base to deploy mission-ready forces across the globe quickly, efficiently and safely.